Patricia Jo Mack

Patricia Jo Mack (nee Patricia Jo Wellard) was born to wonderful parents Walter John Wellard and Georgina Eva Collins (Wellard) on Easter Sunday 1941. Pat was raised in Redford Township, Michigan, with her two younger brothers, Judd Craig Wellard and David John Wellard. As a child, Pat always loved music and dancing. She took dance, tap, and ballet and even acrobat lessons. She had many wonderful recitals and performed in the local area often. She was a Brownie and stayed in Girl Scouts until high school. Pat attended Alma College to study elementary school education where she met roommate Naarah Crawford, who became her lifelong friend and whose son Ian was her treasured Godson. Pat’s lifelong passion for teaching elementary school children began in 1963, when she was hired into the Nankin Mills School District at Perrinville School as a 3rd grade teacher and where she taught for 7 years.

In 1965, Pat became engaged to Frederick Casimir Mack. The following year, she completed her MA degree in education at EMU and Fred and Pat were married at the old Our Savior Polish National Catholic Church in 1967. The following year, Pat was named the Detroit News "My Favorite Teacher" 1968 school winner at Perrinville School.

While teaching was her passion, Pat’s energy and love were ready for her next adventure, motherhood. Pat was the proud mother of Thomas David, Robert John, and Karen Lynn Mack. Pat enjoyed raising children and being home with them each day, as well as working at their nursery co-op and developing friendships with parents and the kids she met there. Her grandchildren, Cori and the latest addition Miles, were truly the light of her life. She was particularly close with Cori, who brought her comfort and companionship in ways that only granddaughters can.

Pat continued her teaching career in 1986 in Livonia Public Schools, beginning at Hayes Elementary and continuing to Cass Elementary, focusing mostly on 2nd and 3rd grade until she had 22 years under her belt. Retirement was good to Pat. She enjoyed swimming at the Livonia Rec Center, walking, and bowling at Westland Bowl. She sang in her church choir, taught Sunday School, and continued her passion for writing poetry as well. She was devoted to her husband and was his biggest support and confidant.

In December 2021, Pat was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer. She fought a strong and arduous fight. Her courageous spirit and positivity helped her gain many more months of life than would normally be expected, often winning the “best patient” award by every doctor she met. She entered eternal rest on November 9, 2022 with her husband at her side.

Patricia Jo is survived by her beloved husband Frederick Mack. Loving mother of Thomas (Sharon), Robert (Monica), and Karen. Cherished grandmother of Cori Mack (James Warren) and Miles Mack.

Dear sister of Judd (Maryann) Wellard, and David Wellard. She is also survived by her many friends. There was not a person who met Pat who would not be taken away by her soft and kind demeanor, calm presence, and supportive and gracious words of affirmation, often through her cards and poems. Her genuine smile brought warmth and light when times were dark, and whose spirit helped lift many who needed encouragement. She will be missed by many.

Visitation, Monday, November 14, 2022 from 2PM-8PM with a prayer service at 7PM at Harry J. Will Funeral Home: 37000 Six Mile Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152. Memorial mass, Tuesday, November, 15, 2022 at 11AM (gathering at 10AM) at Our Savior Polish National Church: 610 N. Beech Daly Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Mack family.