Patricia Rose Shafer's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our mother Patricia,
who passed peacefully at the UM Medical Center on September 18th.
Patricia was mother to seven children, grandmother to eleven, great grandmother
to thirteen, sister to four, and a friend to more than we can
count.
Patricia was a both a Californian and a Michigander. Patricia's maternal
family (Porter) were early California Pioneers and they settled near Quincy
in the Sierra Valley. The mining, railway and highway along the Feather
River were a source of prosperity. And for Patricia, the town of Twain, built
by her Grandfather Granville, was also the destination for many memorable
summers enjoying the river, mountains and nature.
Her paternal family (Thomas) settled Marshfield, Massachusetts in 1636.
Patricia’s Great Grandfather – nine generations removed, William Thomas
of Wales, had negotiated a land grant from King Charles I of England.
Many of the Thomas clan were later drawn to California in the Gold Rush.
Born in San Francisco in 1933 to Charles and Roma Thomas, she always
felt a piece of her heart was there in the City by the Bay. Raising her
children in California, in the new parish of Immaculate Heart of Mary (in
Belmont), was both a passion and joy.
Her commitment to education never wavered: pursuing the best for both
her children and for herself as she studied nursing and worked as an LVN
for years. The Doctors and colleagues greatly respected her commitment to
nursing and her professionalism. Her patients loved her compassionate
care and contagious sense of humor.
Patricia also had a life-long interest in the theater, and she eventually
returned to San Jose State University to study theater and drama, where
she earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. Patricia truly treasured the
gift of the creative spirit and was a dedicated advocate of dramatic arts;
She believed in this personal expression as a window into humanity.
She was an accomplished actress, choreographer, and playwright. Her
stories and scripts were highly creative, delightful and at the same time she
was a total professional in directing and stage management.
Patricia had the opportunity to pursue doctoral work at the University of
Michigan. In Ann Arbor, she met Jim Shafer, of Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
fame and they were married in 1983. They had a wonderful life together
running their businesses in Ann Arbor and enjoying their lake house in the
Irish Hills, until Jim’s passing in 2004.
Throughout her life, Patricia was passionate about her faith and
endeavored to exemplify gracious living: she was generous with her
resources and her time in teaching and helping others in the parish and
community. She was always diligent in doing good works with charities,
catechism, migrant ministries and for others in need.
Memories bring us great solace in times of loss; as her children Henry Pohl
Jr, Ernest Pohl, Mary(Pohl)Balestrieri, Theresa(Pohl)Wells, Lawrence Pohl,
Bernadette(Pohl)Johnson and Thomas Pohl, we will forever cherish her
guiding light and enthusiasm. Patricia is also survived by her two younger
sisters, Barbara Emert and Theresa Giosso.
A farewell Mass will be held at St. Joseph Shrine Church in Brooklyn on
Wednesday, October 11th at 11:00, with internment following immediately
after in the Shrine Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Catholic Charities of
Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties.
Arrangements entrusted to Eineder Funeral Home in Brooklyn.
See more at https://www.einederfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/
What’s your fondest memory of Patricia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patricia?
Share a story where Patricia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patricia you’ll never forget.
How did Patricia make you smile?
