Obituary of Patricia Rose Pappas

Pappas, Patricia Rose "Patsy"

Vassar, MI 

Patricia, age 76, passed away Friday, September 29, 2023 with loved ones by her side.  Born April 17, 1947 to the late Elmer George Buchinger of Oscoda MI and Rosalie Kipp of South Branch MI, she was the first-generation Buchinger grandchild and was not shy about staking that claim.

Patsy attended grade school at St. Michael's Lutheran School in Richville, Michigan Junior High at Bethlehem Lutheran in Saginaw, Michigan; and graduated in 1965 from Carrollton High School in Saginaw, Michigan. She studied at a community college and earned a scholarship in journalism at a prestigious firm in New York City. Alas, she would give birth to her only child, who would become an author.

In 1968, Patsy took an entry-level position as a secretary at Super Foods Services (later acquired by Nash Finch) and proudly retired as Warehouse Supervisor in perishables. Patsy was a fabulous cook, music buff, well-traveled, cared for her parents, played softball, was a foosball fanatic, a Pac-Man Princess, and on her bowling league, once scored 299.

In her retirement, Pat enjoyed spending time up north with her brother and catching up with cousins by hosting monthly luncheons and chatting daily with friends by phone. She never missed an opportunity to challenge her daughter at Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune or Rummy. Pat had great joy as “Nana” to her grandchildren, and adored her role as “Nana Banana” to her great-grandchildren. In her last years, she doted on a very large Pitbull/St. Bernard Rescue. She was a long-standing member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Zilwaukee, Michigan

Patsy was predeceased by her brother Paul (Raeanne) Buchinger and beloved cousin Bunny (Larry) Laufman, who, along with her parents most certainly welcomed her at the Gates of The Great Next Place.

She leaves behind a daughter, Mary (Mame) Hill of Vassar; four grandchildren – all of whom claim to be her favorite - Grandsons Marc, Jordan, Joey, and Granddaughter Sofia Rose; Great-grandchildren Emilia Arie Rose, Dason Joe, Lorelei Willow Rose, and Gabriel J. Santana; sisters Barbara (David) Heinetz, Victoria (Dr. Michael Dean) Buchinger, and brother Bruce (Susan) Buchinger; and many nieces and nephews, beloved sisters-in-law and lifelong friends.

A Celebration of Life and Private Burial is being planned for a future date. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a Memorial Contribution to a charity of the donor’s choice, or FIRST (Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types) in honor of her great-grandson Dason: PO Box 1067, Lansdale PA 19446 or https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=first&id=215 

To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia Pappas, please visit Tribute Store