Patricia Louise D`Arcy

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died July 27, 2022

Patricia Louise D`Arcy

For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
(John 3: 16)

Patricia Louise D’Arcy entered eternal life with our glorious God on July 27, 2022. She died peacefully surrounded by her children.

Patricia was born in Detroit, Michigan to the late Elise & Forrest Rodgers. Patricia was a graduate of Valparaiso University where she met the love of her life, Clifford. They were happily married for 56 years, until Cliffs passing. Their union produced four wonderful and successful children.

Patricia was a devoted educator and coach who gave unselfishly to her career. Patricia or “mama Pat” as she was known to many of her students and players. She was an advocate for Title IX and helped start the girls athletic program in Gladstone.

She was inducted into the Gladstone School Sports “Hall of Fame”. A very deserving accolade for pioneering girls athletics at G.H.S.

Pat was involved in Girl Scouts for many years and was the Troop leader for her daughters who got to experience many adventures together.

She was an avid collector of dolls and bears, and loved to show them off to anyone who came to visit.

She was a devoted member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Escanaba and gave of her time to help the church in different ways.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Cliff, grandson, Hunter D’Arcy and son-in-law, John Smedley.

Left to cherish her memories are her children, Beth (Jamie) Best, Diane Smedley, Nancy (Kevin) Malone and Daniel (Traci) D’Arcy.
Grandchildren: Jay Best, Nicole (Leonel) Lopez, Andrew (Sarah) Smedley, Michael (Sylvia) Smedley and Bella and Holden D’Arcy.
Great Grandchildren: Mackenzie, Landon, Lukus and Lawson Lopez and Miller and George Smedley. Brother-in-law, Tom (Marie) D’Arcy, Sister-in-law, Yvonne D’Arcy and cousin, Jimmy Fischer.

The family would like to thank the staff at Pinecrest in Powers for their compassion and excellent care they gave Pat in her final days.
ALSO, a Thank You goes out to the staff at Northwoods Assisted Living for their kindness and excellent care of Pat.

The family will be having a celebration of Life at a later date to be determined.

The family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.

15 Tributes for “Patricia Louise D`Arcy”

    Rest In Peace mom. Will miss you but I’m glad you’re in heaven with dad having a good time. Love you to the moon and back.
    Fly high mom.

    As I sit here thinking of coach D I’m not sure how to express how much she helped me through high school. As a coach and as a listener she was there. I know you were as tough lady and didn’t take any bs from anyone…even remember you scaring some students with your toughness and your voice. You were small but fearce.♥️♥️♥️fly with the butterflies my friend, I love you always

    I love Beth. She is an awesome friend. I am so fortunate to have gotten to visit Escanaba, meet her beautiful mother and see how she grew up. What a beautiful family story. Love abided!

    Pat was a wonderful lady and will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to the family. Rest In Peace Mrs. D’Arcy❤️

    Sorry for your loss, pat was a remarkable woman so glad I got to know her and spend time with her ❤️
    Prayers and hugs to you all.

    So sorry to hear of “Momma Pat’s” passing. She tried to come across as tough, but we all knew she was a softy! I loved running into her after she retired & she’d fill me in on her kids & grands. She was so proud & she should be!
    My condolences to all of you, but am sure you have wonderful memories.

    Beth and Diane– Your mom was a role model of confidence and strength for a lot of us girls coming through GHS way back when. She was sensitive. Not long ago, a good friend of mine told me she learned her life-long cross-stitch/embroidery hobby in high school when Mrs. D’Arcy allowed her to complete hand sewing (fine motor) projects for PE credit instead of the activities she found much more challenging. Meant a whole lot to my friend.

    A very kind and dedicated teacher and coach. I remember her fondly. Condolences to her family and friends.

    Beth, Diane, Nancy and Dan, I want you all to know your Mom loved you and was very proud of you. And, Pat, my friend, peace to you on your spiritual journey. Joan

    Sorry for your loss, I Have good memories of working with your mom or just visiting with her whenever we met. Rest in peace Pat!

    Mine is a voice from the past. I was Cathy Call, student teacher, under Pat D’Arcy’s guidance back in 1972. First, let me offer sincere condolences on the death of your mom…such a wonderful lady and confidant. When the matriarch is gone, everyone suffers. I was so lucky to be assigned Gladstone as my teaching school because I could live at home (Esky) and commute with three other student teachers from NMU. I believe we all enjoyed and learned a great deat from our respective role models. Your mom was a patient and purposeful teacher and leader. She instilled in me a strong work ethic and taught me how to begin a year of teaching. She was caring and organized and I accepted every morsel she shared. On several occasions, she invited me to have supper with your family. I was amazed that she’d go home after school, prepare a meal, and raise 4 children in the process and then repeat the busy schedule again the next day. I recall your father as a kind and genial man. I’m so sorry for your loss and wish you peaceful recovery from this sad blow. Keep talking to your mom. She’s listening, she’s not that far away. In sympathy, Cathy Reinke, Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

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