A friend of mine and I were sitting and talking about the best teachers we ever had and Mrs Kelly was one of my top picks. Decided to look her up and found this :( . I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom literally turned my life around. She taught me that anything less than 100% in life isn’t acceptable. She helped me find drive and discipline. While our first encounter almost made me cry (she was intimidating when yelling at you!!) she quickly followed up with a hug and support and was soon my favorite. I would see her years later as a substitute teacher in college and she’d give me the best hugs. I will FOREVER remember her with fondness, respect, and love!

When the story of our life together is written, it will be full of laughs, tears, and a whole lot of love.  I will be forever grateful for every chapter, every page, every word.  Thank you for loving me and caring about me.  

Aunt Pat's laughter, love and big, warm hugs will live forever in my heart. When she was visiting with you, she was always completely engaged in your conversation and you could feel how genuinely she cared for you. Her kindness and generosity knew no end. She was the reason the walls of my classroom were so bright, cheery and welcoming from day one. I cherish Priscilla, the doll she made me when I was little and whose face is flat from all the nights I slept on her, the sweet pillow cases she made for my girls when they were little, and the beautiful table runners she recently made for our family after coming to see us in Washington. She brings a smile to my face each time I dig into my sewing basket, walk past our festive table decked out for a holiday month, or anything else that makes me think of her. I dearly miss Aunt Pat's visits and all of the smiles, enthusiasm and energy she brought with her.

To my best friend, Pat!

You were a best friend to so many people, all of whom loved and adored you.
Our friendship began fifty years ago when I came to Grand Blanc MI to teach. 
You and Mike lived across the hall in our apartment building, and we became fast friends. We raised our kids together; being "Aunt Pat" to each other's children and later our grandchildren. I have so many memories of our fun times together in Michigan; picnics, play dates, lunches, and at the lake in Fenton and Oscoda.
We ate and played together and laughed and cried our way through good times and bad. Then you and Mike took your family to California. I cried for weeks, especially when I found a note that you had written to me, one of many that you had tucked away, somewhere in the house. But it was a good move for you, and we always stayed in contact. Fortunately, you came back to Michigan fairly often, and I was able to go to California a few times, too.
I always teased you that I never forgave you for moving.

Many have spoken of your generosity. You were the kindest, most generous person I have ever met in my life. I also have a house filled with reminders of you. There are quilts, and dishes, and baskets, and runners, and pillowcases, and dish towels, and soaps, and wreaths that you had Michael make for me, and decorating touches that you contributed to, and many extra pounds from all the See's Candy that you sent, and so much more. Every day I think lovingly of you as I put on the watch and two bracelets you gave me, and I proudly tell people that you gave me all the jewelry that I wear.

It would take a book to share fifty years worth of memories, Dear Friend. I'm not the gifted writer you were, but I will never forget you, and I look forward to our Heavenly reunion.

Love,
Pat


What I remember most about my Pat: 
The sound of the garage door opening announcing your arrival at your second home,  a new cache of fabric stacked on the counter,  and the refrigerator noises as ice and tea (one of gallons made specially with a hint of orange) fill your glass. Only then would you come looking for me. You are my “bestest”  friend, my sister, my confidant,  my traveling companion, and so much more; I find memories everywhere I turn. 
Countless hours we spent grading papers and planning lessons turned to late nights sewing or cooking, chatting or watching our shows; mornings often found you sleeping in the recliner with work for Richard to print before you dashed out the door. There is no room in my house that doesn’t resonate with you. 
We saw one another through joys and sorrows in our lives; you shared your children & grandkids with me - and that means more than I can say - we laughed and argued and finished one another’s thoughts. I will remember us as beginning teachers, as we later faced hard truths and came out stronger, as we traveled through Great Britain getting passports stamped, and as you questioned my sanity when I said I was marrying Rich then came to love him as much as you loved me.  
I know that God holds you in His hands while you look down upon us still, and you will guide me through this whole new life until we find one another again. 
Love to you always - Your Debs

How does one cope when their best friend is gone?  Well, we think of the 
Times we spent together, especially the fun times, sewing, going out to
Dinner and laughing until our sides ached, just to mention a few. Also having Pat over to our Home and making her favorite dinner of my Italian Meatballs and pasta.
Pat was a special friend and loved very much by me and my husband Sal.
I thank GOD for blessing me with Pat’s friendship, knowing and loving her.
What a beautiful gift that was.  I will miss Pat and think of her often.
I love ❤️ you Pat.  Rest In Peace.
Barb and husband Sal.    XOXO 

My Dear Friend Pat,
You know how much I miss you, because I know you are in Heaven looking and watching over me, as you did while you where on this earth.  I  know that we came into each others lives at the right time, but you left way too early.  I still can't believe you are gone.  But, I will never forget you.   I planted flowers in the pot that you and Mike brought over to our trailer in Hanford, and every morning, and night when I come home, I say " Hi Pat, I miss you."  Thank you for  for the flower pot.  We were to do so many things together since I moved back but we didn't get a chance to.  I know you told me, you are going to be fine, that you would have your surgery, and then after Thanksgiving you would start your therapy.... and things would be okay.  I shake my head in unbelief, cuz you are suppose to be HERE, not THERE!!  Bobby knows how much I miss you and love you because he hears me saying, " I can't believe you are not here".  I am in shock!! Pat I love you and miss you more than you will ever know!!

Pat, who was one of my dearest friends, is gone but will never be forgotten. It's the little things in life that will allow me to always remember Pat. When it rains, I have an umbrella she gave me to keep me dry. When it's cold, I have gloves and a special scarf she gave me to keep me warm. As the seasons change, I have garden flags she gave me to display. As I decorate for the holidays, I have lots of treasured things she gave me to put out. She gave me baskets, napkins, and table runners to set on my table when I eat. And when I sleep, I have several beautiful pillowcases made by Pat on which to rest my head. I have been lucky enough to work, play, laugh, sew, knit, pray, eat, travel, and share life with Pat. Never a dull moment, always a true friend. Each and every gift from Pat, including the precious gift of time with her, has been given with love and thoughtfulness. I will always treasure these gifts, but most of all I will treasure and cherish her gift of friendship. I will remember her forever. I wish I could have just one more special hug and kiss from my dear friend Pat.

I always loved when Aunt Pat would come visit us in Michigan.  I remember when we went to Crossroads Village, the Renaissance Festival, Mackinac Island and so many other places.  We always had a great time.  She always gave the biggest, most loving hugs and kisses.  Her smile and laughter was contagious.  I love and miss her so much. xoxo

I was from out-of-town, sitting at a table happily observing the festivities at the retirement party for my  daughter Julie, when I was joined by a very pleasant lady who introduced herself as Pat Kelly, a friend and co-worker of Julie's. I moved to Visalia shortly thereafter and the opportunity to expand that friendship grew and grew and continues to this present day as I reminisce about Pat--her loving, generous, understanding, enjoyable nature. She lives on in my memory.

I had the pleasure of working next door to Pat at Green Acres. We shared similar teaching styles. We loved having a good laugh! We enjoyed raising our children of similar ages, and swore we had the best grandchildren in the whole world! My nickname for Pat was “Mother Theresa.” Not a student, friend, or acquaintance went a day without feeling loved. If someone needed food-she was there. Gas money-she was there. Encouragement, empathy, honor, integrity was how she worked her miracles with those that needed help. I will truly miss my angel on earth. Keep the light shining Pat. You are truly my forever friend! Love you sister!! Penny

Most of you know my mom quite well and all the admirable qualities she possessed but for those of you who might be here to support the family and pray for us, let me open a window so you might peak into see this kind soul.
My mom was an “old school” teacher (as she called herself)...a tough cookie and a no nonsense instructor. For her students which she always called her “kids”, who might have struggled with class, school, or even just in life she would tutor them after school.  This almost always included homework, food, sometimes clothing, or gifts that the student or family might need, and always a ride home.  She would bend over backwards to try to not only help a student succeed in school but in life.
She would always drop anything for her children; any need we might have would take precedence over her daily plans. However, if a grandchild called her...I’m pretty sure I would have gotten the boot in a heartbeat as they truly were her pride and joy. Sometimes she would come over only to get sucked up into my daughters or son’s room for hours...they probably were dishing about me but Grammy always kept some tight lips and loved being in on their gossip. She was their best cheerleader and advocate...all  seeing things from a different perspective.

My mom’s smile could light up the room but her laugh was warm, sincere, and contagious. Her hugs melted problems and her quick wit and nearly constant sarcasm could put a smile on your face immediately.  I will definitely miss her phone calls to check in or to always ask what she could do to help today, as she could sense my anxiety or tiredness of the day to day grind. I will miss her epic long novel texts which all were grammatically correct and used no contemporary abbreviations. Mostly, I will miss her messages and calls and visits that all ended with “I love you”...always...


My favorite memories with Grammy are her extended visits to Hawai’i during the years we lived there. Everyday when I came home from school, I would grab a snack and she would sit me down and we wouldn’t get up ‘til I was finished. We didn’t study in the dining room - we studied in our playroom while sitting in the red massage chairs at the little mini table. 
When we finished all my homework for the next day, we worked on multiplication facts with flashcards that she made. She made a deal that every time I got a correct answer, we’d play Barbie for that many minutes. Then we’d get back to multiplication flashcards with the same deal in mind to motivate me on to more correct answers. 

I truly don’t know what to say, there is not enough words in the world to describe how awesome you are. There are so many amazing memories and experiences we have created together. You have taught me so much and it is truly a great honor to be your grandson.
One of my favorite memories with you was when you and Poppy came RV camping with us - you stayed in a cabin right across from our campsite. The cowboy steak dinner in the meadow was so tasty, and we had a great time that summer. Your warm embracing hugs were one of the greatest things about you. You made my closetful of pillowcases, and the snuggles that I’ve loved to shreds. You believed in us, encouraged us, and always pushed us to do our best. You were a great teacher, parent, Grandmother, and a great friend. You are one of my greatest inspirations and I will always look up to you. 
I love you Grammy! 

Mom, where do I begin when words are not enough to capture all that you mean and are to me? Countless wonderful memories ... lots of adventures .... so many lessons learned ... I’ll never outgrow my need for my Mom. 
Your laughter will warm my heart forever and I’ll never forget the feel of your smothering hugs and lingering embrace. I cherish every table runner, pillow case and quilt that you lovingly stitched - especially my king-sized Christmas quilt that you cursed every hand-stitch of endless binding. I’ll talk of you often so that the kids continue to know their Grammy and how much you love them and that you are so proud of them. I’m thankful for the “teacher” you instilled in me in my career as an occupational therapist, as a teacher’s assistant with some very special elementary-age students in a special needs classroom, and even in my efforts to teach and to train my own kids. 
I’m committed to honoring you and all that you mean to me by being a loving, generous, thoughtful mom, by being a faithful and devoted wife, by being a caring and encouraging sister, by being a supportive daughter, and by making myself joyfully and sacrificially available to meet the needs of those that the Lord places in my life each day. 
What a privilege, Mom, to sit by your side, to love you, to encourage you, to hold your hand and care for you this past month. You held me in my very first breath of life on Earth; it was my honor to usher you to Heaven’s gates for your first breath of eternal life with your Father. 
I forever love you, Mom! And I miss you very much!

I have known Pat for over 50 years....my first sister-in-law/sister.  She was a very special person who was caring, sharing and full of laughter.  It seems everyone she met became a friend.  She was so easy to talk with.  Always had her iced tea, wiping the sweat from her brow and running late for most flights (there was always more wash to be done).
I will miss her tremendously,  gone way too soon.
Love you always Pat

Only three people on earth have the honor of calling you their "mother-in-law."  You have truly been a mom to me!  From the very first day I met you, you welcomed me with a huge embrace into your family (and I think a huge kiss right on my lips - oddly, now that I think about it, I may have kissed you on the lips before I kissed Lynnette!).  Your smile always lit up the room and your joy-filled laugh would always be contagious.  You were always the adventure-seeker and every time you visited us in Hawaii, you would be ready to go see the sights, shop at the flea markets and head to the fabric stores.  I will always remember how you would take over our dining table and turn it into a garment, pillow case and table runner manufacturing operation!  Over the years we have enjoyed countless meals, lots of miles visiting sites from Oahu to Seattle to Michigan, and, even RV camping trips.  I will cherish every minute we shared and all of the words of encouragement you expressed during our times together.  Your legacy is rich with lives touched, three well-raised children and grandchildren who love you dearly.  May your time in Heaven without us be filled with peace because before long we will all be there to ask you to sew for us again!  Thank you, mom, for raising a daughter that I am so blessed to call my wife and for showing my children what it means to have a grandmother who lavishes them with love through frequent notes of encouragement, handmade gifts (such as the pillow cases and blankets they sleep with every night) and quality time.  We miss you greatly, but, trust that in just a short amount of time we will all be reunited in Heaven!  We love you, MOM!

"I'll see you in a bit" ... those were the last words I said to my mother a little over a week ago. And I meant it - with a pretty loose interpretation  of the words "a bit.” She was known as many things: mentor, educator, best friend, grandma, Mom, sister, and wife. It is through those connections that we are all tied to her and gather to celebrate her. She was a woman who embraced and truly gulped life. I know that she touched us all so deeply and in so many ways.  So even though I have lost the ability to enjoy her presence, to hear her laugh, to feel her hugs, I know that she is still with all of us in some little way that will constantly strive to make us better and to keep us together as family and friends. And I know she can still hear me. It is that knowledge that lets me say "You will always be with me Mom ... and I will see you ‘in a bit.’"

Sharon and I are saddened to learn of Pat’s passing.  I loved working with Pat at Green Acres... her joy, her laughter, her passion for helping students.  We enjoyed watching Lynnette, Sean, and Martha grow up and become wonderful, talented adults.  We are blessed to have had our paths cross with Pat’s and will forever remember her smile and passion for life.

We were so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing and are sending love and prayers to you all.  I remember enjoying her big laugh and fun sense of humor at many family gatherings while growing up.   Sincerely, Julie (Audino), Tim, Alex, & Adam Bubnack 

My love and prayers to the Kelly clan, please know that she was loved by so many people and how sorry I am for your loss. Pat was a wonderfully unique person who had a loving and generous heart and she will be greatly missed. I met her through Debbie because she was her best friend (sister really), and she became my friend so very quickly. Pat became "aunt Pat" to my grandson Damien and was so very generous to him also and came to our family birthday parties. I loved her thoughtful and encouraging prayers and notes that helped me through some of the most difficult times of my life, most recently the loss of my son. And her gifts, we have wonderful handmade table runners for several holiday seasons that will always be a reminder of her love of sewing and how she loved to share with her friends. I will miss her beautiful smile and her sense of humor and just laughing with her over silly things and hearing about the accomplishments of her kids and grandkids. Pat was a great blessing in my life and I take comfort in knowing she is with our Lord and we will see her again. With love and prayers, Sherie 


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Mass of Christian Burial

Patricia is survived by her husband of 50 years, Michael Kelly; brother, Rudolph John (Laurie) Gorsky; daughter Lynnette (Michael) Lwin, son Sean (Susan) Kelly, and daughter Martha (Henry) Fierro; and 9 grandchildren, Genesis and Jeremiah; Aiden, Adeline, Claire, Eliana, Kyleah, (preceded by) Gabriel, Luke, and Angeline.

OBITUARY

Patricia Ann Gorsky Kelly

March 26, 1947 – November 26, 2018

Miller Memorial Chapel

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