Patricia R. "Pat" Rogalla's Obituary
Mrs. Patricia R. “Pat” Rogalla, age 76, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her children on Wednesday morning, December 2, 2009. She was born on September 13, 1933 to Frederic W. and Margaret Mary (Francis) Roberts in New York City, NY. Patricia spent her early childhood years in the Bronx surrounded by her large Irish family. She moved to Detroit with her mother and stepfather, Samuel J. Prince, in 1943. Her family relocated to Muskegon in 1950 and it was here that Patricia spent the rest of her life. She became a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and through the choir, met the love of her life, Richard A. Rogalla. They were married on August 16, 1952 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Patricia retired from Mercy Hospital in 1999 after working in the Radiology Department for 30 years. Patricia was an active member of the St. Mary Catholic Church Altar Society and the Nims Neighborhood Association. Because of her great love of music, Patricia supported the West Shore Symphony Orchestra, Muskegon Community Concerts Association, the Muskegon-Lakeshore Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Blue Lake Public Radio, and many recitals sponsored by the Greater Muskegon Music Teachers Association and the Tindall Piano Studio. Her presence at the musical events will be greatly missed. Patricia is survived by 2 daughters, Susan (Charles) Tindall and Eileen (Richard) Hoogterp; and 1 son, Richard B. (Laurie) Rogalla; 1 son-in-law, Roy (Britta) Portenga; 7 grandchildren, Ryan, Eric, and Elizabeth Portenga; Nicholas Tindall; John R. Allen, and Richard C. (Alexis Sauter) and Daniel Rogalla; 1 brother-in-law, Max Rogalla, and 2 sisters-in-law, Agnes Rogalla and Erma Rogalla. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 2008, daughter Ann Louise Rogalla Portenga in 2005, 2 brothers, Donald J. Roberts and Jonathan F. Prince and her dear family friend, Margaret Newman. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday, December 7, 2009, at St. Mary Catholic Church. INTERMENT will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. VISITATION with Patricia’s family will be 2-4 & 6-8 PM Sunday at The Walburn Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., (231) 759-8565. Evening Prayer will begin at 6:00 PM Sunday evening at the funeral home. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the Mass, 10-11 AM Monday at the church. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church Window Restoration Fund or Harbor Hospice. Sign the guestbook on-line at www.sytsemafh.com
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