Patricia Alice Karbowski, age 77, of Houghton Lake, died on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at The Brook in Roscommon, Michigan, in the presence and comfort of her husband, Ken. Patty struggled courageously with Corticobasal Syndrome for five years.
Patty was born January 13, 1946 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the daughter of Richard and Christine (Rinke) O’Neil and raised in Pewamo, Michigan.
Patty married Ken Karbowski on August 19, 1977, at St. Helen Church, Saginaw, Michigan.
Patty graduated from Pewamo – Westphalia High School. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and a Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities. Patty taught for 34 years in the Saginaw Township Schools, assisting and influencing many students. She collaborated with countless colleagues and staff with many becoming lasting friends.
Patty was a member of the National Ski Patrol and enjoyed skiing out west. She was active in quilting circles with many friends and enjoyed her annual get together with Tri Sigma Sorority members. She traveled to Spain, Italy and France to perfect her gourmet cooking skills. She enjoyed trips to Mexico and throughout the United States.
Patty and Ken enjoyed hosting family and friends with fish fry’s, Christmas celebrations, and spur of the moment get togethers at their Houghton Lake home and Pewamo farm. Patty was incredibly special and conveyed a natural warmth and kindness to others which made them feel welcome and included. She would effortlessly make strangers into lifelong friends, and was a dear lady loved by all who knew her.
Patty will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her beloved husband, Ken, of over 45 years of marriage, as well as her in laws; Vivian (Mike) Wressell, Greg (Stephanie) Karbowski, Karla (Bob) Grant, Dean (Linda) Karbowski and mother-in-law Veronica Karbowski. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, a special cousin Catherine, and other cousins. Patty is preceded in death by her parents, father-in-law Wallace Karbowski and special aunts and uncles.
The family would like to thank all the folks who comforted and supported Ken and Patty through the years; too many to mention. A special thank you to Marty Stapleton, John and Jenny Coppens, Kay Klein, and Andy Neurenberg for always being there for them; Prayer Warriors Janet Wessels and Susan Johnson. A loving thanks to the Brook of Roscommon staff for their 24/7 exceptional care, as well as everyone at CareLine Hospice. It is very appreciated.
There will be no funeral services at this time. A celebration of life is planned at Ken and Patty’s Pewamo farm in the summer; all are invited.
Memorials in Patty’s name can be submitted to The Brook Roscommon Employee Christmas Fund. Please include Patty’s name and The Brook of Roscommon Employee Christmas Fund with all transactions. Please make checks payable and mail to: The Brook Retirement Community, Roscommon Brook Employee Christmas Fund, P.O. Box 649, Grayling, MI 49738. Credit and debit card transactions can be made by calling (989)745-6500.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon.
