Patricia Lucy Coats

Traverse City - Patricia Lucy Coats, 75, of Traverse City, passed away on Monday, August 12 at her home on East Bay.

Pat was born on April 23, 1938 in Gary, Indiana, the daughter of Robert and Irene (Minniti) McKenna. On August 23, 1958 she married Carlton James Coats. Pat and Jim moved to Traverse City in 1973 with their children Rebecca, Daniel and Margaret (Dunkly), all surviving.

Pat attended Indiana State College with Jim and received her Master of Social Work degree from Michigan State University. Her dedication to those in greatest need showed up in her professional work with foster care families and with the elderly. Pat was known for her love of all animals, her athletic abilities, her loyalty to family and friends and her readiness for adventure. She loved reading, hiking, sailing, traveling, the opera and hosting dinners for family and friends.

Pat's grandchildren - Ashley Coats, Chantel Smith, Kingsley and Oliver Coats, and Lucy and Wyatt Dunkly were a constant joyous focus in her later years.

A funeral mass will be held at 10am on Friday, August 16, 2013 at St. Joseph Church, Peninsula Township; preceded by a vigil service Thursday August 15, 2013 evening at 7 pm.
Arrangements are with the Reynolds - Jonkoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Traverse City.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society for melanoma research at www.cancer.org/donate or The Humane Society at www.cherryland.com