Patricia (Pat) R. Michaels, age 88, of Helena, Mt
10/26/34 – 03/13/23
Patricia R. Michaels died on March 13, 2023 after a long battle with dementia & declining health.
Patricia Rita Trepinski was born on October 26, 1934 to Frank Trepinski and Marie Preneta in Hammond, In.
Pat’s father, Frank, died at the age of 52 when Pat was just 12 years old. Her mother raised her, along with her sister, Virginia, alone. She was very close to her aunts, uncles, and cousins during this time.
Pat graduated from Bishop Noll H.S. in 1952. She went on to work to help support her family. In 1956, she married Frank Bachusz. Together they raised 4 children Carla, Joy, Mark and Paul in East Chicago, In and then settled in Whiting, In. While she worked as a secretary for Standard Equipment & Supply for over 15 years, she also attended her children’s many school and sporting events to provide steady and avid support. In 1987, Pat tragically lost her husband of 30 years when they were both only 53. In 1990, Pat was blessed to marry Art Michaels. They lived in SLC for 9 years. They bought a camper and traveled with family (mostly grandchildren) and friends and their little dog, Fancy. In 1999, they moved to Clancy, MT to be closer to their daughter, Joy & her family. Over the years they housed many travelers, both family and friends. Pat always provided a welcoming home, great food, and an itinerary of things to do. Their Alaskan cruise, trip to Hawaii and excursions to Banff, Canada were among her favorites. They joined St Cyril & Methodius Church where they enjoyed the companionship of friends, along with the church socials and picnics.
In 2018, Art & Pat moved to Hunter’s Pointe. They enjoyed living there for 2 years. Pat lost her 2nd husband, Art, in 2021 after a short battle with covid. They, also, had been married 30 years. Joy stayed with Pat for 3 weeks while she recovered from Covid. Joy was fortunate to find Son Heaven assisted living for Pat to live out the rest of her life. The ‘Earthly Angels” at Son Heaven provided a safe, loving, activity-filled, nurturing environment for her. They loved her and advocated strongly for her up until her death the evening of 3/13. Hospice also helped to care for her in the last month of her life. We would like thank those who brought the word of the Lord, communion and frequent hours of music to Son Heaven for her to enjoy. Their contribution to her life and subsequent death will never be forgotten.
Joy visited almost every day to provide some stability and consistency for her as her dementia worsened. Joy’s husband, Mike and her children Dylan, Devyn and Ryan also visited often to remind her of the love we had for her. We used Facetime to keep her in contact with those who were out of state, so they too, could reinforce their love for her.
Throughout her life, Pat enjoyed ceramics, crocheting, sewing, gardening, crafting, cooking, playing cards and bunco, reading (she kept a journal with information and her own personal rating of every book she read), and spending time with her grandchildren and friends. She was always quick to find something to compliment people on.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank, husband Art and grandson, Garrett.
She is survived by her 4 children; Carla (Jeff) Ranta, Joy (Mike) Young, Mark (Coral) Bachusz, and Paul (Terri) Bachusz. Her 3 Stepdaughters; Cynthia (Mike) Brown, Jennifer (Gary) Zielinski, and Linda (Chris) Oberle. Her grandchildren; Jeremy, Kevin (Lauren) and Kyle Dado, Zac Bachusz, Dylan, Devyn and Ryan Young and Tyler Bachusz, several great and great great grandchildren Her sister, Virginia Michaels and many nieces and nephews.
Pat is now at rest and her “dementia plagued” mind is at peace. I think my mom would have let me speak for her one last time to say, “Please remember the real me, even though I could not remember you!” We love her and will cherish her memory.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Cyril &Methodius Renovation Fund at P.O. Box 1110, East Helena, Mt 59635 , Tunnels to Towers, or an Alzheimer’s organization in her name.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., Monday, May 1, 2023 at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W Riggs, East Helena. A Reception will be held and announced when set. Burial will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday May 1, 2023
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Monday May 1, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday May 1, 2023
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Monday May 1, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Roy Moreno says
Joy I am so sorry for your loss you loved her very much the first time I met your mom was at Son Heaven she started to rub my back after she finished she told me doesn’t that feel good I said yes and thanked her will miss seeing her when ever I was at house 2 for Bingo hugs to you and your family
Denice Volesky says
Dear Joy and family, I first met Art and Pat when they came into the parish office to register to become members of Sts. Cyril & Methodius. I remember thinking how sweet they were. Shortly after, Mom, Dad and I ran into them after Sunday Mass in a restaurant for breakfast and asked them to join us. That began years of Sunday breakfasts, meals at each other’s homes, Sunday drives, card playing and tons of laughs! So many wonderful memories! May Pat and her beautiful soul now rest in peace. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Pancich says
I remember your lovely Mom and Art from the North Jefferson County Libraries. They were such a joy to be around . I always looked forward to having them come in. May your beautiful mother be at peace. My prayers are with your family.