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July 31, 2012

Patricia Rose Schopieray

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TRAVERSE CITY — Patricia Rose Schopieray, 85, passed away peacefully Friday, July 27, 2012 while surrounded by her family.

Pat was born April 12, 1927 in Cedar, to Robert and Anastasia Wozniak. Patricia was an only child though she never lacked for company as her aunts, uncles and cousins provided her with constant friends and companions. Pat fondly recalled the acquaintances made at the Leland Lodge and the social graces bestowed upon her. Pat spent her childhood in Cedar and on North Manitou Island. She attended grade school at Holy Rosary in Isadore, Mich. before graduating from Saint Francis High School in Traverse City.

After graduation Pat worked as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell. She enjoyed dressing in her Sharkskin suit and climbing into her little "business coupe" automobile for work each morning while looking forward to dances or movies on the weekend. On one fortuitous evening she met her future husband at the Shadowland Lounge. Paul was home on leave, and "striking in his crisply ironed uniform."

Patricia and Joseph "Paul" Schopieray were married May 28, 1955. They soon started a family though their eldest son, Paul Joseph, died shortly after birth. Their family grew with the births of Michael, Christine and Kimberly and their house was filled with a swell of activities and neighborhood kids. Once the kids were in school Mom worked at Michigan Mutual Insurance. They built their home in Greilickville and lived there for 57 years. Pat's mother, Starzie, came to live with them upon her husband's death and resided with them until her passing in 1994. Both Pat and Paul were united in their love and enjoyment of their family. Mom had a quiet reserve but a steeled resolve. She earned her nickname of "Pat Da Hammer" after locking herself out of the house on a Winter's day and forging her way back inside with the use of a 3lb. sledge hammer. Pat and Paul lived, laughed and sampled life together for 47 years.

After Dad passed in 2001, Mom continued to volunteer as a Lector at Immaculate Conception Church and as a Chaplain for the Ladies Auxiliary of the V.F.W. Mom further blossomed with her time spent with the guys and gals of the "Bingo Crew" of V.F.W. Post 2780. Together they ran the Ladies Auxiliary Bingo every Wednesday for over 30 years. The love, laughter and friendship they shared with our Mother were a constant source of pride and merriment in her life.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Paul Joseph, and daughter-in-law, Thaddea Schopieray.

Patricia is survived by her son, Michael (Pam Leonard), daughters Christine (Bob Kelley) & Kim Schopieray, family member, Roger Mervau, and grandchildren Montana and Shaun Schopieray and her adored cat and beloved dogs.

Visitation will take place Thursday, August 2 from 4-8 p.m. in Centennial Hall at Immaculate Conception Church. A Rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m. Father James Hayden will conduct the funeral service Friday, August 3 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church. A one hour visitation will be held prior to the service; internment at Oakwood Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to any of the following organizations: The American Cancer Society, V.F.W. Post 2780 Ladies Auxiliary or Immaculate Conception Church.

Please share a memory of Patricia at www.covellfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City.

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