Patricia "Pat" Lizenby

Patricia “Pat” Lizenby, 90 of Traverse City, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on January 31, 2025, at Munson Hospice House. Pat was born the younger daughter of George A. and Maude (Normand) Perreault on March 20, 1934, in Detroit. Pat was outgoing and popular in school, although she admits being sassy as a child and her mouth sometimes got her in trouble. She served as President of her Senior class in high school at St. Anthony’s High School in Detroit. After high school, she was employed by the GM Tech Center. Pat met the love of her life, James R. Lizenby in August of 1953 and became engaged on December 18, 1954. Pat and Jim were married six months later, on June 18, 1955, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Centerline. She and Jim proceeded to have four children. Pat’s greatest joy in life was being a wife and mother; she loved her family fiercely. She was an avid fan of her children’s games, and it was not uncommon to hear a voice from the playing field yell, “You tell ’em Mrs. Lizenby!” It was likely her voice from the stands that landed her the role of “Edith Bunker” in the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) performance of “All in the Family” at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Elementary School. While calls from Hollywood were tempting, she was committed to her family. Pat’s passions were many, and included her family, her faith, her many friends, her German shepherds, cooking, sewing, travel, library work, sports, and playing cards. She loved golfing, bowling, and winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with close friends. Pat made friends wherever she went. Always smiling, joking, and thoughtful, she made it easy for others to find her endearing. Pat was a lifelong member of the Catholic church. In addition to her Catholic faith, she was very much involved in the creation and support of the Father Fred Foundation, of which her husband Jim was a founding Board Member. She continued her volunteer work at Munson Hospital Registration for many years. It wasn’t until her kids were in high school that she began to pursue her interest in library science. She volunteered at her kids’ school libraries for a while, and then she fell in love with her work and people at the Peninsula Community Library, where she volunteered for many years. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful staff and great care received at Munson Hospice House. They were terrific in providing passionate and dignified care. We also would like to recognize the staff at Bay Ridge Assisted Living, as they were incredibly helpful and caring in her short stay. Pat is survived by her sons Kevin (Mary), Scott (Vickie), Mark (Walt), and daughter Michelle; grandchildren Cameron, Zackary (Kate), Ashley (Micah), Taylor, Dillon (Christa); two great grandsons Bryson and Samuel; her cousin Nancy A. Perreault; and many nieces, nephews, and other loved ones. Pat was preceded in death by her loving parents, her sister Shirley E. Goodrich, and her loving husband, Jim. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 308 N. Cedar St., Traverse City. Family will welcome visitors an hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., also at the church. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. Burial will take place at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those interested in an expression of sympathy, please consider a memorial donation to the Father Fred Foundation, Munson Hospice House, or the Peninsula Community Library.

Patricia "Pat" Lizenby

March 20, 1934 - January 31, 2025