Mary "Pat" Maeso

Mary Patricia "Pat" Maeso, age 95, of Bloomfield Township, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, encircled by her loving family. She was an extraordinary woman-determined, generous, and compassionate for others-who served as a role model to many people. She will be deeply missed.

Pat was born in 1930 in Detroit, Michigan, to William and Florence Rees. She attended Detroit Western High School and later Wayne University (now Wayne State) where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education. In 1967, she married the love of her life, Angelo Maeso, and together they shared 49 wonderful years of marriage until Angelo's passing in 2016. Together they built a life rooted in love, family, commitment, determination and helping others.

Pat was a loving, devoted and proud mother to her son, Christopher Maeso and his wife Angela. Her grandsons, Nick and Matt Maeso, were her greatest joys, and she was so thankful to watch them grow into thoughtful, kind young men. She loved going to her grandsons' sporting games and events and spoke of them constantly, always with pride, encouragement, optimism, and love. She was the happiest when family was around her, and she took great pride in her family's accomplishments.

Her loyalty to her family was constant and unconditional. She was always there to support, help and encourage her family and friends--always placing the needs of others before her own. When her parents required assistance, she welcomed them into her home so that she could take care of them.

The first in her family to graduate from college, Pat dedicated over 30 years to teaching third and fourth grade at Harms Elementary School in Southwest Detroit where she improved the lives of many students and gave them a genuine belief in their potential.

As a testament to her determination and will, and overcoming the obstacles that came later in her life, Pat stayed living in the home she raised her family in for over 50 years, continuing to go out to dinner almost every day to her favorite Big Boy restaurant, never missing her Saturday hair appointments, running her countless errands and of course visiting her favorite Hallmark store. When she could no longer safely drive, she was fortunate to get a driver, David that allowed her daily trips to continue. David became a loyal friend to Pat.

She loved to travel and cherished her many adventures, including a summer cottage rental with her friends, a trip to Hawaii with her best friend of 78 years Barbara Coats, a trip to Glacier National Park, the Canadian Rockies, and Vancouver with the family, and her trip of a lifetime with her husband, son and daughter in law to Paris, London, Wales, Scotland and Italy. Family gatherings for the holidays and birthdays, card nights with friends, never missing one of her son's school or sporting events, and sharing meals filled her life with joy.

Pat shared a remarkable bond of over 78 years with her best friend, Barbara. Their connection was unwavering, and for nearly nine years, they spoke on the phone every single night-a testament to a friendship filled with love, laughter, and caring.

She was also blessed with caring neighbors who watched out for her and gave her the security that she was never alone and a dear friend Dorothy that was wonderful to her and Angelo.

Pat made the world a better place through her kindness, generosity, loyalty, strength, and unwavering love. She will be remembered as an amazing woman-- a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and constant source of positivity and inspiration. She always chose to see the good in people.

Her family is forever grateful for the beautiful life she lived and the love she gave and her memory will continue to motivate and guide us.