Patricia C. Abbott

-Shakespeare

Well, maybe not “all the world” but definitely all of those who have spent time in Pat Courtney Abbott’s caring sphere. After 96 years of a full life, Pat moved on to her next experience on October 23, 2023. Pat was born in Lansing Michigan on June 23, 1927, to Edward Courtney and Ada (Gregg) Courtney. Pat grew up on the west side of Lansing, MI during the frugality of the depression, but with the abundance of a loving family. To the end, she reminisced about the neighborhood, summers at Moores River Park, and trolley car trips with her older twin sisters to downtown Lansing. During her junior year of high school, the family moved to East Lansing and in a short time she had made a new set of friends, several of whom remained special to her throughout her life.

She attended Michigan State College, graduating in 1950. In the spring of her graduation year, she went on a bowling double-date at the MSU Union. Her date was not of significance, but her friend's date was instantly smitten, and 6 months later they were Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Abbott Jr. The ensuing decades unfolded just as Pat had hoped for when she said “I do.” Three children in three years, Wayne (Pat), Martha (Steve), and Michael (Sue) became her focus and joy. The role of a homemaker suited her. In addition, she filled any extra time she had with music (various choirs), church (volunteer wedding coordinator), and a multitude of other volunteer roles through the years. She was also the co-pilot for her husband's career move to Ann Arbor to direct the city Utilities Department in 1960, as well as his subsequent professional roles and responsibilities.

As her kids moved on to their lives and careers, Pat also enjoyed her 6 grandchildren (Lisa, Jessica, David, Amelia, Ian and Sean) and eventually became a great-grandmother of 10. Trained as a teacher, each generation benefited from her subtle but meaningful ways. Whether teaching new skills or sharing her wisdom with those around her, her devotion to improving the lives of those she encountered continued throughout her entire life, living on in those she loved. Whether from the Ann Arbor family home, the family cottage at North Lake near Chelsea, or the condominium in Venice, Florida, Pat’s loving personality and caring interest in each person as an individual left an indelible mark. After her husband’s passing, Pat returned to the Lansing area, living at Burcham Hills Retirement Center for the last ten years. The special traits that made her so appreciated throughout her life continued in this last chapter. She reunited with old friends and made many new ones, and a contentment settled in as she gracefully navigated her later years.

Pat’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Burcham Hills who have been so caring and professional during the time that Pat resided there, as well as the hospice staff members who displayed the same caring support during the last several weeks of her journey.

A memorial service has been scheduled for November 4, 11:00 AM at Burcham Hills, 2700 Burcham Drive, East Lansing, MI. There will be a visitation prior to the service starting at 10:15 a.m.