Patricia Ann (Dempsey) McCardel, 91, of Traverse City, passed away on September 21, 2025, at The Hospice House in Traverse City. The family would like to thank the staff for the care, comfort, and kindness they gave her throughout the final stage of her life.

Ann was born on February 8, 1934, in Charlotte, Michigan, the daughter of Kathlyn Owens Herringer and Jack Dempsey.

On June 23, 1956, she married Ward Thomas McCardel at St. Mary's Cathedral in Lansing, Michigan. Together they raised four children: Steven McCardel (children Stephanie, Jake, Sydney, and Ally), Kimberly McCardel (Dieter; child Kinsey), Kathlyn DeNise (David; children TJ, Kiley, and Marley), and Kenneth McCardel (Kassandra; children Cole and Courtney).

Ann spent many happy years living in Arizona before returning to northern Michigan in 1995. She was a professional dancer in her earlier years and carried a lifelong passion for cooking and summers at Higgins Lake.

Her Catholic faith was a constant source of strength and guidance. She remained devoted to her beliefs and carried her values with quiet grace and enduring love.

She is survived by her husband, Ward; her four children; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Jean, Sandra, and Lisa. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Ann will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her warmth, spirited nature, beautiful smile, words of wisdom, kind heart, and the deep love she gave to those around her.

Fulfilling her wish for simplicity, an intimate memorial with close family will be held at Oakwood Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.