Memorial open house update

Patricia Gallagher Mattlin , 72

It has been a little over a year since we lost our beloved wife, mom, sister, and friend. At that time, we were unable to provide an opportunity for friends to offer a proper goodbye. In order to do so now, Pat's family extends an invitation to you to attend a Memorial Open House honoring her memory. This event will be held on November 20th from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bavarian Inn Motor Lodge. We will gather in the Danube Room to share stories and memories and to honor the legacy of our dear friend. Please come when you want, stay as long as you can, and bring your favorite "Pat Story" . Please be aware that this is an informal event; you can leave the suits in the closet! For everyone's protection, the family is requesting that all in attendance wear masks.

"Patsy" Shannon was born at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit on June 24, 1948 to Thomas Patrick and Marie Shannon. She was the first of four children and was followed by Michael Patrick, Daniel Sean, and Colleen Marie.

Her childhood centered around St. James School in Ferndale where she was surrounded by great friends and strict teachers. The St. James emphasis on the value of hard work and respect for others, along with other important academic and life lessons, made a lasting impression on her. It was a fun and innocent time, with nuns sponsoring weekend dances often followed by a trip to Como's pizza parlor with friends.

Family life often centered in Highland Park where her Gramma Shannon, a cook for the nuns, always had bread baking in the oven and cabbage boiling on the range. Weekends were frequently spent in Pontiac at the house of her Aunt June and Uncle Bill and cousins Kim, Betsy, and Murray. They enjoyed swimming in the summer and ice skating and sliding down the big hills in the winter.

After graduating from St. James in 1966, Pat went on to Central Michigan University to get her bachelor's and master's degrees in education. In 1970 she got her first (and only) teaching job in Frankenmuth as a fifth grade teacher.  She remained in Frankenmuth schools for the next 40 years. She often referred to that time as the "Golden Age of Education". Just as it is today, Frankenmuth was filled with hard-working students and teachers, as well as caring parents. It was an honor to work with them.

In 1970 Patsy Shannon became Patricia Gallagher when she married Mike Gallagher, her college sweetheart. They had 17 years of marriage and raised two wonderful sons, Ryan Michael (Ewa) and Sean Patrick (Kelly). They were then, and remain now, forever friends.

In 1988 she underwent another name change when she married Marty Mattlin. Along with the name change came the new role of step-mom to Marty's daughter, Jennifer.

Both Frankenmuth educators, Pat and Marty enjoyed their careers and also the retirement that followed. It was filled with lots of travel and adventure. By far, the best adventure of all was the birth of their beloved grandchildren Hanna, Elena, Anna Lia, and Caeden.

She leaves this world filled with happy memories of times past, and fond memories of the people who added them to her life.

In accordance with Patricia's wishes, cremation has taken place. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

"As life runs on, the road grows strange,

With faces new, and near the end

The milestones into headstones change,

'Neath everyone a friend."

• James Russell Lowell