Patricia J. Richer

Patricia Jane Richer, beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, with her loving family at her side.
Patricia was the 7th child of Jess and Clara Champine, born in Detroit on St Patrick's day 1933. A student at St. Ambrose School in Detroit, she became a teacher after college and enjoyed mentoring her students for 36 years. Widowed early at age 44, she turned her sorrow into service, founding the Widowed Group at Shrine of the Little Flower. This ministry grew exponentially and continued along after retirement from it. She was devoted to the rosary, enjoyed lifelong activities with her sorority sisters from the Delta Kappa Beta group, playing cards and was a benefactor of Shrine and played in their bell choir.
More than anything, she had a deep love of God and family and is survived by her five children: Mark (Sabrina) Richer, Jane (Dave) Cheyne, Suzanne (Jean Pierre) Geronimi, Paul (Kerri) Richer and the late Mary Smith (Ken). Loving grandmother of 14, and great-grandmother of 16. Sister of Catherine Champine. Patricia was predeceased by her beloved husband, William Richer, her daughter Mary and son in law Ken Smith.
Visitation at the Sawyer-Fuller Funeral Home 2125 Twelve Mile Road in Berkley, (Two blocks west of Woodward Avenue), Wednesday, January 8th from 4pm until 8 pm with a parish and family rosary at 7 pm. Patricia will lie in state at National Shrine of the little Flower-Basilica in Royal Oak, (NE corner of Woodward Avenue and 12 Mile Road) Thursday, January 9th from 9:30 am until time of funeral at 10 am. Burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Father Solanus Casey Center 1780 Mount Elliot Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207.