Patricia Joan French

Patricia Joan French, 89, passed on to her final journey on July 17, 2026, in Okemos, Michigan. Born on April 13, 1937 in Flint, Michigan to Margorie and Glen Bowles, she is preceded in death by her brother William Bowles.

Patricia was a gifted athlete. During high school at Flint Northern and at Mott’s junior college she was on the gymnastics and synchronized swimming teams. She loved boating and water skiing with her parents and learning golf from her father. Later in life she learned to play tennis, and made many life long friends. She also faithfully enjoyed watching her beloved Michigan Wolverines play football and meeting her family at Doug and Anne Graham's tailgate on football Saturdays.

Patricia continued her education, earning a Master’s degree in Biology at the University of Michigan. While in Ann Arbor she met David W. French, the love of her life. They married shortly after her graduation, on June 4, 1960. She began her professional career that fall as a sixth-grade teacher in Saline, Michigan, and supported her new husband who was in dental school. The following year, Patricia transferred to the endocrinology department at Parke-Davis in Ann Arbor, contributing to research on birth control. After Dave’s graduation, they moved to France for two years while Dave was in the Army. There they met their lifelong friends and travel companions, Lucius and Harriet Doucet. With the Doucets they developed their great passion for collecting antiques.

While raising their family, Pat and Dave always managed at least one annual trip abroad. Once her daughters were older, Pat returned to work as a travel agent to facilitate their desire for travel. She and Dave visited many destinations in Europe, Asia, Egypt, Australia and Mexico. She was an amazing tour guide for her growing family and many best friends. Dave and Pat hosted family and friends at their timeshares in Cancun, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and her favorite Puerto Vallarta.

In 1987, Pat and Dave purchased their first student rental property. Patricia’s best friends, Carol Chapman and Gloria Floden, helped them find 8 more properties to purchase over the next 10 years. Pat enjoyed improving and managing these student rentals on MSU’s campus. This new income stream helped fund their pursuit of antiques and art, which they used to furnish their beautiful home. Patricia used her artistic talents to sew beautiful drapes and bedspreads for their home. She taught her daughters how to sew and decorate their own homes. Her beautiful handmade Christmas wreaths are cherished reminders of her elegant flare.

Patricia’s greatest pride and joy were her family. She is survived by her four daughters: Julie (David) Cole, Laura (Victor) Stebbins, Christine (Dennis) Engstrom, and Jennifer (Edward) Aucoin. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren—Jacqueline Bowker, David Tyler Cole, Travis Cole, Riley Stebbins, Lauren Aucoin, Ellen Aucoin, and Rachel Aucoin—and her great-grandchild William Cole. We are all stronger, happier and better people for having had Patricia Joan French in our lives.

Visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. until service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Okemos.