Patricia (Lang) Courtney

Patricia Lang Courtney passed away surrounded by her family on October 13, 2019. She was born on June 7, 1929 in Cleveland, OH, the eldest daughter of Dr F. Allen Lang and Rosella McGowen Lang.  Her family eventually relocated in Detroit where Pat attended Immaculata High School and graduated from Marygrove College as a history major.  She enjoyed lifelong friendships with classmates from these schools as well as an enduring admiration of Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary order of nuns.

Pat met the love of her life, John E. (Jack) Courtney, at her 21st birthday celebration.  They married in 1951 and shared 66 years together while raising 6 children. 

When her youngest child entered kindergarten, Pat returned to the classroom to earn teaching degrees. Eventually, both mother and that youngest son were awarded Master’s degrees on the same day from the University of Michigan.  Pat embraced her teaching career, working as an adult educator for the City of Detroit and retiring from the Ford Rouge Plant after training her students to earn their GEDs.

Pat was preceded in death by her beloved Jack, her parents and many of her Marygrove friends. Survivors include her six children:  Kate (Jim) Scollin, Connie (Ed) Blanch, Susan (Jim) Vander Veen, Annie (Rob Wiedeman) Courtney, John (Luanne) Courtney and Bill (Kate) Courtney. Pat is also survived by eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: Courtney (Joe) Mich, Urban and Gwen Mich; JP (Erin) Vander Veen, Miles Vander Veen; Colleen (Matt) Blanch-Bock; Edward (Olivia Mikula) Blanch; Allison, Shannon and JJ Courtney; Dan (Susan Larson), Kevin and Claire Courtney; Jimmy Scollin. Her sister and brother also survive.

Pat’s funeral Mass was celebrated at St Matthew Catholic Church, Boyne City. A memorial Mass and Interment is planned at St Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills, MI, Saturday November 9; visitation begins at 10, with Mass at 11 am.  Memorial donations may be directed to the IHM Sisters, 610 West Elm Ave., Monroe, MI 48162, or to the church of your choice.

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