Pat McGhee

In loving memory, we honor the life and legacy of Patricia "Pat" Ann McGhee, who passed away peacefully on August 20, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on June 9, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan, Pat's memory will forever live on in the hearts of her children Vicki, Kate and Robert (Amber); her beloved grandchildren Colleen (Charlie) Nesler, Spencer Anthes, and Zack and Zoey Looney. Pat was preceded in death by her sister, Sally Hepburn. Pat was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed planning special trips and adventures with her children, grandchildren and extended family.
Pat remained in love and extremely devoted to her lifelong partner and husband, Bob, to whom she was married 67 years. Their deep love for each other was often expressed through warm embraces, kisses and hand-holding. They frequently described one another as their "best friend" and the warm affection they had for one another was evident every day.
After graduating with her Bachelor's degree in education from Wayne State University, Pat flourished in her career as a talented teacher for Warren Consolidated Schools. She took her job seriously and applied her prodigious organizational skills and creativity to her school lessons. She particularly relished teaching fourth through eighth grade students, helping them navigate the tricky transition from childhood to adolescence-a task few were willing to take on. Her passion for the work touched the lives of many students.
Pat was a multi-tasker before there was a term for it. Organization skills were part of her DNA. In her spare time, she enjoyed creative expression through painting, sewing, and crafting. While raising her children, Pat sewed many Halloween costumes and "cool" school outfits. She was an exceptional seamstress and passed that skill onto both of her daughters.
Pat and Bob fostered in all of their children a love for camping, travel, adventure and discovery. Camping opened a window to the world for the entire family as they explored much of the United States during summer vacations. Pat especially enjoyed visiting national parks, absorbing all she could about about their history, natural wonders and cultural resources. Those experiences kicked off a lifelong love in all her descendants of camping, exploring, hiking, and conservation.
Pat travelled many times with Bob to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico as a winter retreat to be with family and friends. She never tired of bartering in the market, dining or walking the lively Malecon.
Pat enjoyed ballroom dancing with Bob, whom she playfully referred to as her "boyfriend". For four decades they were avid dance students, always learning. Their love for the waltz, rumba and cha-cha led to numerous "dance friends" met throughout Michigan and on their cruise ship adventures. Indeed, once on a cruise Pat and Bob passed some folks dancing and spontaneously joined in while wearing flip-flops. It turned out to be a ballroom competition, for which they won a prize!
Pat was the social director in the marriage. She'd coordinate their calendar while dad entertained with his stories and jokes. She orchestrated many memorable moments with their "ski group", other ballroom dancers, neighbors and art classmates. She drew much of her energy from these gatherings. Building deep, meaningful friendships was at her core, and many of those relationships stayed strong from college through retirement. She was a devoted friend to many.
Pat was a talented artist. She encouraged creative expression in her children through music, sketching and painting. Later in life she blossomed as a talented artist herself. She was an exceptional painter and delighted in gifting her creations to family and friends. She had a generous heart, and the world is better for her time on earth.
A Celebration of Life for Pat McGhee will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 2:00-4:30 at the Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow, Rochester, MI 48307. Extended family are invited to join for dinner following the Celebration. Family, friends, and all those touched by Pat's fun and loving spirit are invited to join together in remembrance and support. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen or Alzheimer's Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer's Disease. Your contributions will honor her memory and continue her legacy.
As we bid farewell, join us to remember the deep impact Pat had on our lives and the lives of those around her. Her upbeat nature, generosity, devotion, and love for her family will forever be remembered. May she rest in peace, reunited again with her one true love, Bob, and may her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all. She will be deeply missed.