Patricia Marshall

Pat Marshall was an exceptionally generous wife, mother, and grandmother. A lover of all people, she found great happiness putting the needs of others ahead of her own and lived a lifetime of selflessly giving her time and resources to those in need. Blessed by her warm spirit and gentle ways, there is no doubt that she will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Her story begins in the year of 1940. The effects of the Great Depression were finally beginning to ease, and the nation was optimistic about the future. The entertainment industry was booming with the release of major motion pictures and jazz music was on the rise. During the years of FDR and his New Deal program, her parents, Harold and Dorothy Peterson welcomed their newborn daughter, Patricia Anne, home on November 26th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born the oldest of four children, her birth brought them much joy and happiness.

Along with her younger siblings; Michael, Sheryl, and Richard, Pat lived a typical childhood. The family moved around a bit when she was younger starting on Rose Street NW above her Grandma Blakeman’s home. They later moved to Burton Street SW, the corner of Buchanan SW, and finally a farm on Kinney NW. During her developing years, she attended Alger Elementary, Burton Elementary, and Walker Station Elementary until eighth grade. Pat later graduated with the Class of 1958 from Union High School.

After graduation, she entered the world of work as a clerk in the candy department at Steketee’s Department Store. Pat left there for a more stable career with Michigan Bell Telephone which was growing in prosperity at the time. It was here that she met a co-worker, Laurence Marshall from a mutual friend. He was immediately attracted to her and asked her out on a date! Although they had a wonderful first date, time got away from them and six years had passed until they went on their second date! More mature and ready to settle down, they joined in marriage in 1967. Once their children, Monica and Jason were born, Pat left her job with Michigan Bell to care for them. She returned part-time for a short while before taking more time off during their growing years.

As a mother, Pat was very easygoing. No matter the problem or issue her children faced, she was always there with a listening ear and wisdom to help them solve it. Never afraid to speak her mind, they grew accustomed to her sassiness at times. She always wanted the best for her kids. When they were older, she began a part-time job at Covenant Church. Laurence also worked there at the time, so it made it convenient for them as a couple. Once she was blessed with grandchildren, Pat retired to care for them full-time! She treasured being their babysitter as it kept her active and engaged. A highlight of these years was making special treats with them and sharing her love of candy. Pat truly cherished any amount of time they were together.

In addition to her grandchildren, Pat held many special pastimes. She was a regular at church and devoted to her Christian faith. She was well-known in her community for being active on several leadership boards. She loved seeing everyone at local events. Pat loved to pitch in and help on several organizations and fundraisers well into her later years. A favorite activity was teaching Sunday school to the four-year-olds. The little kids were always the ones who made her smile and brought her heart endless joy! Singing in the choir was her act of service to her church community. She started when she was only seventeen years old and never grew tired of practicing or perfecting her pitch. Church hymns were a part of her daily worship. As she aged, Pat would catch the bus to attend church services. Equally important to the service was the fellowship and connections she made with other parishioners.

Beyond her active role in her community, she loved to bowl on many bowling leagues around Grand Rapids. She would bowl in a league at Lincoln Lanes during the week and then at Michigan Lanes on the weekend. She also loved to complete jigsaw puzzles. Pat would scoff at any puzzle of less than 1,000 pieces as they were far too easy for her! She and Laurence were animal lovers. At times, they had seven cats in their home! Their three cats; Reno, Tommy, and Snoopy were just like family members! As much as they enjoyed being home with their special pets, they were also social and outgoing. For many years, they were part of a group of couples that enjoyed going out to eat and hanging out together. Pat enjoyed collecting menus from their times out together as well as saving mementos from special events in her life. She and Laurence also enjoyed a memorable trip to Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula together! After he passed in 2005, she lived a fiercely independent life. She leaned on the support of her friends and family and continued to approach her life with positivity. Described as optimistic and always smiling, Pat's nurturing presence will be deeply missed by her loved ones and many special friends. She lived her life as a beautiful example of compassion and genuine concern for others. May her family never doubt her love for them and may her memories be eternal.

Patricia Anne Marshall, age 84, of Grand Rapids, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband Laurence, who passed away in 2005. She is survived by her daughter, Monica (Donald) Borgeld, and son, Jason (Jenny) Marshall; as well as her grandchildren Nathan, Jessica, Brady, Joel, and Kate.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 11 AM at the First Evangelical Covenant Church, 1933 Tremont Blvd. N.W. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 5-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr N.W., and again at 10 AM prior to the service on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at First Evangelical Covenant Church.

Patricia will be laid to rest with Laurence in Rosedale Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of West Michigan. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to submit a favorite memory or photo, or to sign Pat’s guestbook.