Patricia Jean Dowling

Patricia Jean Dowling, 87, of Grand Blanc, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM Wednesday December 18, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 11804 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan, Rev. Fr. Joseph Krupp celebrant. Committal service will be held 2:30 PM Wednesday December 18 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan .

The family will receive friends 4-8 PM Tuesday December 17 at Sharp Funeral Homes, 6063 Fenton Road, Grand Blanc. A Time of Sharing will be held 6:30 PM , followed by the Rosary at 7 PM, Tuesday at the funeral home. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to the funeral mass at the church on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Holy Family Catholic School Annual Appeal Fund, which supports students in need.

Pat was born on July 10, 1937, in Toledo, Ohio, to James and Mary Rose Meyer. She grew up in Toledo, where she graduated from St. Ursuline Academy, Class of 1955. Pat was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Parish in Grand Blanc, where she held strong to her Catholic faith.

Pat dedicated much of her life to caring for her family. As a stay-at-home mother, she raised four children and, once they were older, worked as a latchkey assistant at Grand Blanc Schools. Over her 60 years in Grand Blanc, Pat was deeply involved in her community, volunteering at Holy Family School & Church, Grand Blanc High School, and participating in many local musicals. She was known as a welcoming figure, often helping newcomers settle in Grand Blanc.

Pat was a loving and supportive wife, spending her later years caring for her husband of over 56 years, Joe, as he battled cancer. Above all, her greatest joy was her five children, their spouses, thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren, attending their activities, and playing games with them. Pat had a vibrant social life and could often be found enjoying card games with friends, especially bridge and euchre. These friendships continued at the Oaks Assisted Living Facility, where Pat spent her later years.

Pat enjoyed traveling the world with her beloved husband, Joe. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Judy, her husband Joe, granddaughter Ellen Patricia Mays, daughter-in-law Nancy Dowling, and son-in-law Kirk Mays.

She is survived by her sons Joseph Jr., Dave (Jackie), Doug (Kerry), and Dan (Susan); daughter Debby Mays; grandchildren Jamie, Josh (Erin), Riley, Connor (Shelly), Kellen, Caitlin, Carson, Morgan, Nick, Ryan, Drew, Tommy, and Jimmy; and two great-grandchildren, Miles and Jordan. She is also survived by her sister Mary Helen (Doug) Berry and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and residents at the Oaks Assisted Living Facility, especially those who took her to bingo games, happy hour, and spent time with her playing Kings in the Corner.

Pat’s love and warmth will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Friends may share a memory at the funeral home or online at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.