Patricia Garrod

Although her days measured far less than many are given, Patricia Garrod leaves behind a deeply embedded footprint that will never fade away. She was a woman who truly lived, never taking even one moment for granted. It was clear by the way she spent her time that she made it her mission in life to make the world a better place and in so doing, impacted the lives of countless others in a significant way. Known for her strong work ethic and drive to succeed, Pat gave her all to everything she did whether it was through her work, raising her precious children, or maintaining her way of life as long as she possibly could. With what would seem to be the best years of her life still to come, Pat’s brilliant song was silenced much too soon.

It seems only fitting that Patricia’s story begins during a time in our nation’s history that was as vibrant as she was. Born Patricia Jean Collins on July 6, 1954, she was welcomed into the loving arms of her parents, Rex and Mable (Detwiler) Collins, in Owosso, Michigan. She was the youngest of five children in her family including her older sister, Sue, with whom she was joined at the hip. Pat’s formative years were spent on a farm in Chesaning. She was a mischievous child who was also a bit spoiled. She and Sue were the outside helpers, earning money doing farm chores in the summer in order to be able to go to the public swimming pool for the rest of the day. As the sisters rode their bikes to the pool they always sang their favorite song, “listen to the tar bubbles, listen to the tar bubbles, listen to the tar bubbles as we roll along.”

During her childhood years, Pat was imprinted with her strong work ethic. Her favorite farm chore was bailing the hay, although she and Sue couldn’t resist making a fort out of the hay when they were done. Sometimes the partners in crime would head out into the barn after their family was fast asleep to sleep in the forts they made. There were also the times that Pat had to ride in the wagon with loads of corn, wheat, or soybeans. The winter months often found the two girls out in the woods with their father where he chopped down a tree. They were delighted when he then built a bonfire where they roasted hot dogs. If the girls weren’t sleeping out in their hay forts, Pat often snuck into Sue’s room where they stayed all night, snug as two bugs in a rug.

For her education Pat attended local schools including Chesaning High School where she was a good student who especially enjoyed science. She liked playing basketball and was the MVP of her junior varsity team as well as an all-city player. Pat also loved playing her flute in the marching band. Her time away from school often found her with her horse, Ace, or making go-karts with her sister and their neighborhood friend, Lawrence, although their karts never actually went anywhere! Fun times were had when Pat went up to East Tawas where she enjoyed camping and playing in the water. Her grandparents had a cottage on Chub Lake where she loved visiting.

After graduating from high school, Pat went in to Ferris State University where she was a member of the bowling team. There she met her lifelong friend, Diane Hanlon, with whom she enjoyed a close relationship until her death. Pat went on to graduate with a BA in medical technology. Not long after, she took a job at Foote Hospital.

Not to be forgotten during her years as a young woman was her fateful introduction to the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Bob Garrod and they met at the Sunset Bar and Grill in Owosso. Bob couldn’t take his eye of Pat who was standing at the bar with her sister, dressed in a denim jumpsuit. The two exchanged phone numbers that evening and it was from that point that love blossomed. The couple dated for about one year before Bob proposed. Pat became Mrs. Robert Garrod a short time later in their hometown of Chesaning. The newlyweds soon moved to Jackson and then to St. Johns in 1980. Pat then took a job at Clinton Memorial Hospital where she did general laboratory duties. She was later so proud of her role in improving the lives of children as a laboratory scientist in the newborn screening department with the State of Michigan.

Nothing was sweeter for Pat than becoming the mother of two wonderful children, Lindsey in 1983 and Greg in 1985. She was a fun mother who was always active with her family. Together they enjoyed fishing and reading, and she also enjoyed watching them in their various sporting events. Pat was often spontaneous as a mother and would pack up the kids to head out for a day trip somewhere. The family made countless memories at the family cottage in Gaylord. Pat’s dog, Oliver, was like another member of their family, and Pat loved him dearly.

Throughout Pat’s life she remained close to her siblings. She frequently traveled to visit them, or they took trips together to places such as Florida, Cancun, and Lake Cumberland. Pat even caught a small shark off the pier in Naples, Florida.

Life became more difficult for Pat and her family when her health began to decline during the fall of 2009. She began struggling with small muscle control and was officially diagnosed with a very rare disease called multiple system atrophy during the summer of 2010. From there Pat’s health began gradually declining and as the months went by, her loss of independence was one of her toughest challenges.

Through the life she lived each day, Patricia Garrod taught us how little things can make a big difference in the lives of others. She showered her family with love in a variety of ways, leaving no doubt in their minds that she viewed them as her greatest treasure. A true beauty on the inside and out, Pat will be deeply missed while her memory remains forever etched on the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Patricia Jean Garrod died May 20, 2011. Pat’s family includes her husband, Robert of St. Johns; their daughter, Lindsay (Andrew) Zevchak of Laingsburg and son, Greg (Casey) Garrod of Chicago; sisters, Anne (Glenn) Gross, Janet (Les) Schwartz, Sue (Philip) Soldan, brothers-in-law, Mike (Shelly) Garrod, Bill Garrod, Randy Garrod, sisters-in-law, Dixa (Robert) Rositas, Pam (John) Garcia, as well as many nieces and nephews. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, David Collins. Funeral Services will be held, 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at the Osgood Funeral Home with Hugh Banninga officiating. The family will receive friends, Monday, 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Patricia’s memory to Sparrow Transitions Home Palliative Care Service,1210 W. Saginaw St, Lansing, MI, 48915. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the guestbook.