Patricia Elaine (Newburg) Olofsson

Patricia Elaine (Newburg) Olofsson, known by most as “Pat” passed away , September 30, 2019, at home, with her daughters and her friend by her side. During her illness, Pat had numerous visitors, one even brought a sweet kitten to share, all visits brightened her days. Pat was born February 8,1930 in Alma, Michigan. She grew up nearby, in Crystal, Michigan. Her father, Alfred Newburg owned Newburg Hardware and her mother, Kathryn, was a school teacher. Pat attended Alma college, was a cheerleader, met her life long friend, Phylis Irwin, who was a fellow student and then, was introduced to the love of her life, Al Olofsson, all attending Alma College.  Pat and Al were married in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March 28, 1950. They settled in Lansing, Michigan, Al began working for his family business, Olofsson Corporation and Pat became involved in civic activities, as well as participating in the social and travel aspects of Olofsson Corporation, her input was vital. She was a President of the Lansing Junior League and a long participator in The Saint Lawrence Hospital Guild. She was a room mother in her daughters’ classrooms and volunteered with the PTA and school fundraisers.  She enjoyed cross stitch, was a voracious reader, great golf caddy, and renown shopper!

After Olofsson Corporation was sold in the 1980’s, Pat and Al retired, moving permanently to Burt Lake and then Harbor Springs. Their life continued to include the many friendships they created during their years traveling and in business, enjoying their daughters, their families, and grandchildren, including all in boating trips, many organized through Walstrom Marine, vacations with family, creating a learning environment full of adventures and fun for her beloved grandchildren. Pat was a member of The Harbor Springs Women’s Club for many years. They spent their winters in Florida which hold many happy memories for all. Pat was best known for her witty one liners, her devotion to family, love of her husband, Al, charitable participation, and the enjoyment and fun she had eating out, at area restaurants, where most knew her on a first name basis!  Her favorite sign was hung in the kitchen, “I have a kitchen, it came with the house!”. 

The love of her life, Al Olofsson, passed away June 11, 2019, after 69 years of marriage. Life changed dramatically for her, remaining strong, she persevered, even adopting some of Al’s one liners!  Some lives are meant to remain together, all who knew them believe they are now reunited and at peace.

Pat leaves behind her daughters, Patty Danzo (John Danzo) and Marta Olofsson, grandchildren, Matt Bunker (Claire Bunker), Shannon Fairchild (Jared Fairchild), great grandchildren, Gwyneth, Iris, Charlie, and Celeste, sister in law, Thelma Weaver (Olofsson), and sister and brother in law, David and Karen Noe (Olofsson).  A daughter, Elaine Kay, her parents, Alfred and Kathryn Newburg, brother Richard, sister in law, Diane Newburg, sister in laws, Marnie (Olofsson) Demmer and Kay (Olofsson) Demmer predeceased her.  She has numerous nieces and nephews, step grandchildren, Lisa Palazzolo, Lori Danzo, step great grandchildren, Trevor, Noah, Nicholas and Samantha, who cherish the time they spent with both Pat and Al.  She cherished her grand dogs, Murphy and Winston, who adored her. Pat was blessed with family, friends, civic involvement, charitable endeavors, she cherished life, just as she led it.

 Marta and Patty would like to thank the caregivers and management from Angel Heart Caregivers, Petoskey, Mi.  who have supported and taken respectful, loving, professional care of both Pat and Al. In lieu of flowers, donations to organizations, their parents long supported would be appreciated: McClaren Petoskey Hospital Foundation, Little Traverse Conservancy, Harbor Springs Library, and The Festival of The Book, Harbor Springs.

A celebration of life will be held in June, 2020.

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