Patricia Ann McHaney

Patricia Ann McHaney, age 86, of Pickford, Michigan, died Tuesday, July 28, 2015, in St. Ignace, Michigan. She was born August 28, 1928, in Cadillac, Michigan, to Wilson Redfield Sawyer, Jr. and Annabelle Gladys (Bohley) Sawyer. Pat grew up in Cadillac and then Traverse City, Michigan, where she graduated from Traverse City High School as Salutatorian of her class. A classically trained pianist, she began her professional music career at age thirteen when she auditioned and won a position as a pianist for a touring jazz and swing band. After high school Pat attended Michigan State University where she studied languages. After meeting her future husband Charles Robert “Bob” McHaney, she switched her major and earned an Associate Degree in Secretarial Science so she could help her husband complete his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. Pat and Bob lived a joyous life together, well-grounded in their strong love for one another. They would have celebrated their 67th anniversary in September. After living for several years in Coleman, Morley, and Acme, Michigan, and in Oxford, Massachusetts, the family settled in Pickford in 1955 where they raised their family and Bob taught at the local school. Pat shared her musical talent with the community by playing the piano and the organ at church and local events. She taught countless students how to play the piano, and her piano students were a great joy in her life. During retirement, Pat and Bob lived in Searcy, Arkansas, for eighteen years, caring for Bob’s parents and enjoying the community there. They returned to Pickford eight years ago. Pat was a member of the Pickford United Methodist Church, where she served as church organist for many years. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women. In Searcy, Pat attended the United Methodist Church where she sang in the chancel choir and played bells in Joy Belle Choir. Pat also taught Sunday school for many years. In addition to her love of music, Pat was an avid reader and a lover of languages. She grew up speaking English and some German in her home and, during her life, studied German, Latin, French, Spanish, and Russian. Her special favorite was Russian. She also enjoyed gardening and cooking. Pat will be remembered for her strong Christian faith, her unconditional love for the people – and pets -- in her life, her sense of humor, and her radiant smile. Her husband, children, and grandchildren gave her the greatest joy of all. She is survived by her husband, Bob; 5 children, Sue Ann (Neil) Harrison of Pickford, Robert Patrick McHaney of Pickford, Roger Wilson (Annette) McHaney of Manhattan, Kansas, and DeTour Village, Michigan, Patricia Kate (Thomas) Walker of Pickford, and John Bruce (Jody Courdill) McHaney of Fennville, Michigan; 11 grandchildren, Neil Douglas (Tonya) Harrison, Jr., Krystal Faith Harrison, Amy Elizabeth McHaney, Mark Evan (Anastasia) McHaney, Matthew Roger McHaney, Megan Rachel McHaney, Erin Rochelle (Logan) Towsley, Katelyn Patricia Walker, Frances (Nick) Maslanka, Amber Lynn (fiancée, Aaron Hamlett) Blue, and Jonathan Logan McHaney; 6 great grandchildren, Taylor and Rylee Harrison, Brya, Gabriel and Mathew Towsley, and Kiegan Hamlett. Pat is also survived by one brother-in-law Bruce L. (Fay) McHaney; and sisters-in-law Jean Oberlin, Ruth (Mark) Danner, and Linda (Keith) Shelby. Pat was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Koral Kristine Harrison; brother, American composer, Wilson Henry Sawyer (best known for his “Alaskan Symphony”) and his wife Maxine Tost Sawyer; and brother-in-law, Gerald Oberlin. Services will be held Wednesday, August 5, at the Pickford United Methodist Church. There will be a Gathering Time from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. followed by the Memorial Service beginning at 11:00 A.M. Private inurnment will be held later in Cottle Cemetery in Marquette Township, Mackinac County, Michigan. Memorial Contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 128, Pickford, MI 49774 or Cedar Cove Assisted Living, P.O. Box 580, Cedarville, MI 49719.

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Patricia Ann McHaney

August 28, 1928 - July 28, 2015