Patricia Marie "Patti" (Spaulding) Jorgensen, 81, of Traverse City and formerly of Northport, passed away Thursday, May 4th at Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City while surrounded by loved ones.

Patti was born on February 19, 1942 in Bay City to the late Jay W. and Patricia D. (Gordes) Spaulding. She married James L. Jorgensen on Saturday, November 3, 1962 in Traverse City.

Patti graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1960, and Northwestern Michigan College in 1962 with a Medical Secretary 2 year degree. While there, she was named NMC's Miss Medical Secretary. As a teenager, she worked at Potter's Bakery and Milliken's in downtown Traverse City. After she married Jim, the couple moved to Flint, Michigan where she read Jim's psychology homework so he didn't have to. She worked at Hurley Hospital in the radiology department as a medical transcriptionist. After a few moves downstate they returned to Northern Michigan to raise their growing family. In 1976, they built their home on Grand Traverse Bay near the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula where the family remained until 2002. Over the years, she did administrative work in various medical settings, was the primary bookkeeper for Ted's Standard Service in Lake Leelanau, and most enjoyed her time working retail at North Country Gardens in Northport. She was active in the community through Booster Club, PTO, Brownies, Cub Scouts, Sunday School, 4H, and the Cherry Home Association Board. As empty nesters the couple moved to Traverse City to enjoy their retirement years. Patti enjoyed reading, listening to Elvis Presley, sewing, and other creative projects. She also loved chatting and creating mischief with her lifelong best friend Carol Williams.
Patti is survived by her children and grandchildren, James T. Jorgensen of Traverse City, and his children, Elise P. Jorgensen, Andy Kissler, Brad Kissler, Brad's son Silas James, Daughter-in-law Jenni Jorgensen, Diane M. (Patrick) Standish of Ridgeland, S. C., Anjanette J. (Timothy) Olander and their children Jackson and Sophie-Grace of Hilton Head Island, S.C., Jaclyn E. Jorgensen of Traverse City; brother Jay W. (Lorrene) Spaulding of West Branch; Sister-in-law, Joyce (Ron) O'Hagan of Manistee, as well as her nieces and nephews, Jennifer, Jayson, Kevin, Tim, Terry, Patrick, Suzi, and several cousins. She is also survived by her beloved rescue kitty, Lewie.

Patti was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Jorgensen, her parents, an infant son James Scott Jorgensen, and her brother-in-law Jack Jorgensen.

A visitation for Patti will take place Thursday, May 11th at 10am, directly followed by a memorial service at 11am at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. Interment of both Patti and Jim will be at Memorial Gardens following a light luncheon at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

For a more lasting memorial, contributions in Patti's name may be directed to the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, or to the Cherryland Humane Society.

Memories and condolences may also be shared on Patti's tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com