Patricia E. Boensch

Saginaw, MI

Passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Covenant Health Care Harrison; age 77 years. Patricia Kelly was born on December 19, 1947 to the late Bill and Lucy Kelly. She was married to Thomas Boensch on September 6, 1969; he survives her.

The most loving wife, mom, grandmother, sister and friend has ended her 12-year battle with cancer. She loved to share every major occasion with her family, and she did just that once again when she went to the Lord with her family by her side.

She was brought up in a strict, humble, and loving Catholic home. The church and her parents (who are rejoicing with open arms to hold one of their 6 girls in heaven) taught her to be faithful, loving, and to serve others. She didn't love; she loved hard. Every day was a gift and she never complained. She always put others first and was resilient until the end. Even when she was battling, she never felt sorry for herself or put her struggle above others. She would call the friend in need, send a card, check in with her grandkids to make sure life was not too overwhelming. She relished in her kids and grandkids accomplishments. She loved to bake, make traditional Italian recipes, use her green thumb and make a home for birds.

Her battle was never about her; it was about her family. It was about waking up to have one more cup of coffee with the love of her life, Tom. It was so she could hear about her kids or grandkids' adventures and accomplishments. It was about a phone call or lunch with a sister or a friend. It was her hope to visit her cabin on Lake Huron with as many people as she could pack in there one more time. Her favorite days were those that included a house full of family, especially her grandkids. It was these moments and the memories she created that fueled her fight.

She was a nurturer. People were her gift. She would always say that she didn't have an important job, but she did. She was a counselor to everyone, a life coach. She never judged. She met you right where you were and walked with you to where you needed to be until you were healed. She was a ray of sunshine to everyone she met, never negative. She LISTENED, boy did she listen. She waited until you were done and then she first shared love and kindness and then the advice that she thought long and hard about. Her moral compass always pointed North.

Surviving besides her husband Tom are: children Jason (Bridget) Boensch, Melissa Kerkau, and Scott (Janel) Boensch; grandchildren Abbey, Emma and Brody Kerkau and Troy, Cameron, and Shelby Dues; siblings Mary Kelly, JoAnn Kelly, Sue Schrader, Liz Kelly, Rosemary (Rick) DePlonty, Glenn (Ruby) Boensch, Don (Judy) Boensch, Suzanne (Roger) Gammon, Sally Boensch, and David (Kimberly) Boensch; special daughter, Brandi; and many special friends.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Lucy Kelly and Francis and Lucille Boensch.

Memorial Service will take place on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. Cremation has taken place. Patricia's family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Underground Railroad.