Patricia Ann Staley

Patricia “Pat” Staley, 88, of Interlochen, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, at Munson Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family after a brief battle with cancer.

Pat was born on August 25, 1937, in Webster, South Dakota, the daughter of Max and Frances Lewno. She graduated from Waubay High School and, on July 2, 1955, married the love of her life, Alan Staley. Together they shared 66 devoted years of marriage and were blessed with four children, fourteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to their lives.

Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life and guided her in all she did. Pat was a founding member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and devoted countless hours volunteering in several ministries. She served faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister, often visiting hospital patients, and especially enjoyed volunteering at the St. Patrick’s booth at the Buckley Old Engine Show.

Pat's most cherished role was that of homemaker, creating a loving and welcoming home wherever life led her family. Over the years, she worked as a sales associate at Nugent's Hallmark, served as a receptionist for a local optometrist, and frequently assisted Alan with his retail remodeling projects. She also volunteered for several years with the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Alan’s career in retail management brought many moves throughout the years, taking the family from South Dakota to North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, and eventually to Traverse City, Michigan, where they found their forever home. Pat embraced each relocation with optimism and adventure, always referring to every new chapter as “the next life adventure.”

Pat was known for her extraordinary cooking and baking talents. Her recipe collection became a treasured family possession, though everyone agreed her dishes never tasted quite as good when made by anyone else. She served as a Den Mother for both Boy Scouts and Brownies, supporting not only her own children but many neighborhood children as well. Pat always had a craft project ready for little hands and carried her creativity throughout her life, sewing beautiful clothing and creating countless handmade treasures.

She loved the outdoors and worked tirelessly to make family camping trips memorable and seamless. One day, she went out on a limb and purchased a used tent camper, a decision that led to years of adventures across the western and midwestern United States, including treasured trips to Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, and many other beloved destinations. After retirement, Pat and Alan continued their love of travel by purchasing a fifth-wheel trailer and embracing new adventures together throughout their golden years.

Pat was an avid reader who shared her love of books through an informal book club with her children, grandchildren, and friends. She was instrumental in establishing a neighborhood Little Free Library. In the time she had to herself, she found joy in gardening and making the world around her more beautiful.

Pat is survived by her children: Tom (Debbie) Staley of Round Lake Beach, Illinois; Kathy Hofius (John Trompeter) of Washington, Michigan; Chris (Christine) Staley of Interlochen, Michigan; and Jim (Dawn) Staley of Fife Lake, Michigan. She is also survived by her grandchildren, David, CJ (Miranda), Robert (Jamie), Jacob (Kirstin), Alice, Sasha (Kara), Andrey, Afton, and Aila; step-grandchildren, Steven (Mia), Kristin (John), Luke, Noah, and Andrew Trompeter; great-grandchildren, Graham, Benjamin, Grace, and Gavin; step-great-grandchildren, Stevie and Dakota; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alan Staley; her parents, Max and Frances Lewno; her siblings James Lewno, Billy Lewno, Ronald Lewno, Arlene Rugroden, and Georgene Bowman; as well as her son-in-law Mark Hofius and daughter-in-law Penny Staley.

As we bid farewell to Pat, we celebrate a life richly lived and a legacy of faith, love, kindness, and devotion to family. Her example will continue to inspire all who knew her, and her memory will be cherished for generations to come.

The Staley family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who showed Pat such compassion and care, especially the physicians, nurses, and staff of Munson Medical Center, Traverse General Surgery & Trauma Care, Traverse Heart & Vascular, and West Front Primary Care.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Traverse City, Michigan. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass at noon. A luncheon will follow the service. Pat will be laid to rest beside Alan at St. Aloysius Cemetery in Fife Lake, Michigan.

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