Pat was born to the late Courtney and Alyce McDonnell in Ohio and then raised in Michigan. She attended Shrine Elementary School, Immaculata High School then attended St. Mary's College, where she graduated with a registered nursing degree. Soon after college she met a handsome Marine, “Storman” Norman Wright, fell in love and got married on October 5, 1957, her favorite season.
If you knew Pat you knew that she loved babies! She worked her entire nursing career with babies and young children. Beginning in the 'nursery' at St. John's Hospital in Detroit, transferring to a pediatrician office, then to a pediatric ENT surgeon until retirement. Together her and Norm, an engineer employed with the Michigan Bell telephone company, raised their four children and shared an adventurous, loving bond that lasted until Norman passed away at the tender age of 52, while they were on vacation in Austria in 1985.
In 1992, she met Charlie Kase at a widow and widowers club. They were married on June 15, 1996 and continued to live life at their fullest, with Pat becoming a bonus mom/grandma/GG to Charlie's children and their growing families; Charles Jr. (Michelle) Kase, David (Mary) Kase, Lori (Michael) Ingles, Jeffrey (Sandra) Kase and Christopher (Joni) Kase.
Pat and Charlie extensively traveled the world, taking many cruises including several river cruises, “visiting their money” in Las Vegas several times a year, and perfecting the Michigan to Florida snowbird migration.
She was as generous with her kindness as she was with her time. She started her lifelong dream to learn to tap dance when she was in her 50's. When she was in Michigan she and Charlie performed with The Senior Show at the Macomb Center for Performing Arts (a singing and dancing group) that performed for the residents living in local nursing homes for 21 years. She represented Mrs. Claus (with Charlie as Santa Claus) on many occasions and while in Florida organized a Red Hat Society that grew to include over 100 members and eventually became Queen Mum of their local Society. She also delivered (with Charlie) Meals on Wheels to the homebound seniors and adults with disabilities living in Detroit and the surrounding area, all while being sure to attend their grandchildren's and great grandchildren's soccer games, swimming meets, track and cross country races, bowling events, band/choir concerts, high school plays, cheerleading events, baseball games and dance recitals.
Pat was fortunate to have made friends that truly did last a lifetime as she was still in contact with women she has known for the past 80 years. Friendships that began in grade school, continued during marriages, children, careers, monthly card games, and after retirement.
Pat will be remembered as a woman of strength, kindness, and boundless forgiving love. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends, and her warm spirit will forever resonate in their lives.
Pat was a devoted wife of 28 years to the late Norman Wright and equally devoted for 27 years to Charlie Kase.
Cherished mother of Michael (Christy Salisbury) Wright, Kathryn Wright, the late Joel Wright and Mary (Anthony) Monschau.
Loving Grandmother to Shannon Schaab, Heather (Justin) Hansen, the late Christian Leslie, Ryan (Jessica) Monschau, Chase Leslie, and Daniel Monschau.
She took great pride in being a Great-Grandmother to Mackenzi Hogue, Leah Schaab, Delilah Monschau and Hudson Monschau.
Dear sister to the late Thomas McDonnell and Joyce (David) Warren.
She forever held a place in her heart for all of her bonus grandchildren: Erin (Collyn), Kaitlyn (David), David Jr. (Kate), Josh (Amanda), Rachel, Judy (Kevin), Addie (Mickey), Becca, Courtney (Jared), Ashley (Brad), Keith (Rachel), Andrew, Maggie and Claire; and her bonus great- grandchildren: Ella, Quinn, Blake, David “Bun”, Kylie, Charlie, Danny, Tess, Cora, Liam, Owen, Oliver, Russell, Rhett, Nash, Tommy, and Maverick along with many other extended family members.
The family will greet guests for a memorial visitation from 3:00pm to 8:00pm with a 7:00pm Rosary Service on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp., Michigan. Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00am on Friday, November 17 at St. Jane Frances De Chantel Catholic Church, 38750 Ryan Rd., Sterling Heights, Michigan. In State from 9:30am until time of mass.
Norman Wright and Patricia will be inurned together at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, Michigan at 2:30pm on Friday, December 1, 2023.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Macomb County Animal Welfare Fund, www.macomb-county-animal-welfare-fund.square.site
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kaul-funeral.com for the Wright-Kase family.
