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Patricia June Sorise
Patricia June Sorise
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Patricia Sorise Obituary
Known to be a free spirit who enjoyed the wonders of nature, she was also a gifted landscape designer with an encyclopedic knowledge of plants-down to their Latin names. Patrice was a well-respected figure in the gardening community of Metro Detroit. She studied horticultural science and landscape design at Michigan State University and further honed her craft through hands-on experience in the lush gardens of England. Her expertise and artistry transformed countless landscapes across Oakland and Wayne counties, where she cultivated long-term relationships with clients who trusted her vision. Her contributions extended beyond her own designs; she played a role in the creation of a book on peonies and even grew for a client on Mackinac Island.
Patrice's love for nature was not just professional but deeply personal. She found her peace getting her hands into a patch of soil, viewing English gardens, long walks through the woods, observing owls, birds, and cranes and strolling through Cranbrook House and Gardens with her family. Whether listening to classical music, Joni Mitchell or Motown hits, reading poetry, or performing quiet acts of kindness, she embraced life with warmth and thoughtfulness. Small in stature but immense in heart, intellect, and generosity, Patrice had an innate ability to create beauty wherever she went. She was also known for making the worlds best carrot cake.
Above all else, Patrice cherished her family. She is survived by her daughter Eliza Sorise; son-in-law John A. Johnson III; her greatest joy and granddaughter Nola Johnson; brothers Richard (Dick) Fidler and Roger Fidler; and niece Leigh Feldmann. She was predeceased by her brother Thomas Fidler and her parents Beatrice June Fidler (Long) and Lyman George Fidler.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Goldner Walsh Home & Garden, 559 Orchard Lake Road, Pontiac, Michigan 48341. The luncheon will begin at 12:30 PM, where all are welcome to share memories and stories of Patrice.
Her legacy lives on in the gardens she designed, her beautiful granddaughter Nola, the lives she touched with kindness, and the love she shared so freely. May her memory continue to bloom in the hearts of those who knew her.
Donations to the Micah 6 Community https://www.micah6community.com/
I wish I had a river
I could skate away on
I wish I had a river so long
I would teach my feet to fly
-Joni Mitchell
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Jeryl Barnett
March 21, 2025
My dearest cousin, friend, sister, seeker, poet....I had hoped to be sharing with Patrice the seasons in person at home in Virginia this year. Every spring, I'd start with the redbud, forsythia, tulip magnolia...all through the year in photos and she would teach me too. She's left me a lifetime legacy of love. And she's still three days older than me, my Scorpio girl!
Jerry Beets
March 20, 2025
Patrice and I worked together at Goldner Walsh. Loving all things about plants we quickly became friends. I´m grateful for the friendship we shared and the knowledge that she bestowed upon me.
Karen Bovio
February 26, 2025
Patrice was a dear friend of mine for over 45 years. We met at Goldner-Walsh, where we were young employees getting our start in the world of horticulture. We found ourselves to be kindred spirits, with a deep appreciation of nature, plants of all kinds, and the desire to grow them. We also both enjoyed the written word, in its many forms but especially books, poetry, and letter-writing, a dying art that we kept alive during the bleak winter months. She was a wonderful letter-writer; sincere, truthful (sometimes blunt; she was skilled at getting to the point!) and witty. Sensitive and deep, she was not a person to wear her heart on her sleeve, but to those who knew her well, she revealed her soul and her own unique insights on life. I will miss her, and fortunately I have many wonderful memories to keep her alive in my heart. And to Eliza, your obituary for your Mom was one of the best I've ever read. You've obviously inherited your Mom's skill with writing!
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Eleonore Barron
February 25, 2025
What a great photo of Patrice! I worked with Patrice at Specialty Growers and found her to be as she is described in the obituary. She was a passionate gardener, knowledgeable and generous, with a dry sense of humor. Some of us helped doing a little weeding in her garden in preparation for Eliza´s wedding. It was a treat! What a beautiful garden! She did nothing by half measures! I am glad to have known her.
Jane Hecker
February 24, 2025
Beautiful tribute for my dear and delightful cousin. She will be missed. A bright and whimsical spirit with real love and talent for and in the gardening world. Rest In Peace my friend. Jane Langley Hecker
Mark A Eisenhardt
February 23, 2025
Feel lucky to have had the opportunity to meet Patrice, didn't know her long, a neighbor a friend. She was a nice person.
John Johnson III
February 23, 2025
Rest well GiGi
Allan Gyngell
February 23, 2025
With best wishes and lots of love from Allan in uk
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