Patricia Louise Richardson's Obituary
Patricia Louise (Makuch) Richardson
January 1, 1934 – August 12, 2025
Patricia “Pat” Richardson, 91, fell asleep in the Lord on August 12, 2025, at her home in Muskegon.
Born on New Year’s Day 1934 in Windber, Pennsylvania, to George and Irene (Blum) Makuch, Pat grew up in a coal-town family that prized faith, and hard work. She married John Richardson on June 26, 1954, and together they raised five children. After John’s passing, she later married Erwin Zenk, sharing several happy years until his death.
Pat devoted most of her life to her family as a homemaker, yet her determination led her to complete paramedic training—proof that learning never ends. A faithful parishioner of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Muskegon, she centered her days on prayer, home-cooked meals, and quiet acts of generosity.
She is survived by her children: Shawn Archer, Judie (Larry) Pekel, Barbara (Mark) Bunda, John Richardson, Patrick (Kelly) Richardson, and her sister Freda (Joe) Rager of San Diego, California.
She is also survived by nine grandchildren—Holly (Dustin) Jenkins, Nicholas (Jeannette) Bunda, Jacob (Danielle) Bunda, Kaileigh (Kodi) Schulist, Randy (Courtney) Pekel, Elizabeth (Jim) McCann-Garvey, Katie Pekel, Alex Richardson, and Lauren Richardson—and seven great-grandchildren: Jackson, Annabelle, Sloane, Beau, Abby, Rylee, and Violet. Her cherished step-daughter Julie Zenk, and many nieces, nephews, and friends will miss her steady counsel and humor.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Irene; her first husband, John Richardson; her second husband, Erwin Zenk; and her infant brother, Donald.
Visitation, funeral, and interment will be held privately at the family’s request. Arrangements through The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St. Muskegon, MI. 49444.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 185 Pontaluna Road, Muskegon, Michigan 49444, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
May her memory be eternal.
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?