Patricia C. Chmelar's Obituary
Mrs. Patricia C. Chmelar, age 77, passed away on Saturday, September 21 surrounded by family in Spring Lake. She was born on August 21, 1942 in Chicago. Her parents were C. Claire and Corrine (Lamoreaux) Moore of Muskegon. Pat married Rudolph J. Chmelar on April 20, 1968 in Muskegon and they spent 51 years together. Pat attended Maple Grove and Catholic Central and started her secondary education at Muskegon Business College, graduating with a stenographic diploma in 1965. She went back to Muskegon Community College and earned her Associate of Arts degree. In 1984, Pat graduated from Grand Valley State College with a Bachelor of Business Administration and ended her educational career at Western Michigan University, graduating in 1990 with her MBA. Pat is survived by her husband, Rudy; children, Michelle (Kevin Hughes) Chmelar and Rudy (Rhonda) Chmelar; granddaughter, Maureen Hughes; brother, J. Michael (Barbara) Moore. After extensive genealogical research, Pat met her biological mother and family. She is pre-deceased by her biological mother, Jenny Presto; two sisters, Joanne and Rosalie. Anyone who knew Pat could attest to her infectious laugh, bubbling personality and sharp wit. Her love of Airedale Terriers blossomed into her founding New Beginnings Airedale Rescue. She was an avid gardener and decorator/designer who enjoyed re-styling homes for friends and family. An accomplished seamstress she also did reupholstering, decorative painting and antique hunting. Her business, “My Mother’s Attic” was in various antique malls throughout the area. Pat, with her parents and brother, was a founding member of St. Francis de Sales church. She was active in the choir, holiday decorating and gift shop. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 26 at 11AM at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (2929 McCracken St., 49441). Visitation with the family will be on Wednesday, September 25 from 5-8PM, with a Time of Prayer and Memories at 7PM at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49441. Memorial contributions in Pat’s memory may be made to St. Francis de Sales Church, Hospice of Michigan or the Alzheimer’s Association. Please feel free to visit the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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