Patricia J. VanLangendon, 64, of Big Bay, died peacefully Sunday morning, December 9, 2018, surrounded by family and under the care of Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice. Patty was born on February 24, 1954 in Laurium, a daughter of the late Bernard and Caroline (Bartle) Slattery. She grew up in Lake Linden, moving to Marquette with her family at the age of four.
Patty graduated from Marquette Senior High School and also received a Licensed Practical Nurse degree from Northern… Read More » Michigan University. She spent a long career at Marquette General Hospital eventually retiring from the Cardiac Cath Lab to care for her grandchildren. Patty formerly loved to roller skate and attend dances at the Baraga Gym.
She was as feisty as she was kind, funny and giving. She loved to laugh, tell stories and spend time with family and friends. She had a particular fondness for chocolate, especially Hershey Kisses.
Years ago, Patty would hand out good luck “kisses” to her son’s hockey team. Patty also loved to give hugs. Everyone got a hug, even if she just met you.
She continued to give hugs even towards the end and while Patty had numerous friends, we are pretty sure she hugged some random people at Econo Foods. Patty’s greatest pride and joy were definitely her four grandchildren and they loved their Grandma Patty immensely. She had a number of tattoos (yes, Grandma Patty was cooler than your grandma) including a large tattoo on her arm with a star representing each grandchild next to her favorite saying, “I love you to the moon and back”.
Patty is survived by her husband, Mel, whom she married on August 23, 2004 in Las Vegas; two children, Derek (Kristen) Bressette and Amy (Michael) Havel, both of Marquette; a step-son, Erik VanLangendon also of Marquette; four grandchildren, Luke and Max Bressette, and Eli and Addison Havel; three siblings, Bernard (Lisa) Slattery of Ishpeming, Alice Parker of Marquette and Jerry (Nancy) Slattery of Wausau, WI; her first husband, Michael W. “Max” Bressette and his wife, Carol Bressette of Negaunee; also many nieces, nephews and other extended family members. Preceding her in death besides her parents was a sister, Carol Barkley and brother-in-law, LeRoy Parker. A celebration of Patty’s life will take place on Tuesday, December 18th from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home in Marquette.
Patty’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Rich and Charise Baker for the loan of their therapy dog, “Bailey,” who was a great comfort in Patty’s final days. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 S. Front St., Marquette, MI 49855 in Patty’s memory. The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting Patty’s family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
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