Patricia Elrich

Patricia Louise (Wilmot) Elrich, 81 of Charlevoix, beloved wife and mother passed away on January 28, 2018 after a long battle with Parkinson’s.

She was born in Sault Ste. Marie, MI on September 15, 1936, the oldest of four children.

After graduating from high school in 1954, she moved with her family to Burton, MI. Patricia put herself through U of M Flint by working at the Flint Journal. She taught in Bentley School District for over 36 years until her retirement in 1996. She was a favorite of most of her students.

Always very musical, Patricia loved to sing and play both the piano and the flute. For several years, she played flute in the City Band of Charlevoix. She could burst into song at any moment.

Patricia was a member of the Flint Chapter of Sweet Adeline’s for more than 30 years singing baritone in both the chorus and a few quartets. Her last quartet, The Apple Chords, was most notable. They gave several concerts in the Flint Area and even sang with the New Reformation Dixieland Band – a longtime favorite of Patricia’s. Patricia and Hal are also good friends of America’s top Ragtimist, Bob Milne of Lapeer. Their house was often filled with the music of an NRB or Bob Milne.

Patricia was also an active member of the Charlevoix Garden Club.

She married Glenn Weldon in 1961 and had a son, Glenn Jr. (JR). Patricia married Harold Elrich on June 24, 1983 who survives. They spent over 34 happy years together.  She is also survived by her son, Glenn (Jr) Weldon of Charlevoix; brothers, LeRoy (Jeanne) Wilmot of Goodrich, Charlie (Marilyn) Wilmot of Torch Lake, David (Tracy) Wilmot of Davison; stepdaughters, Darla (Matt) Gore of Atlanta, GA, Pamela (Eric) Tilden of Flint; granddaughters, Autumn and Ellie; aunt, Elsie VanDusen of Sault Ste Marie, along with many cousins, friends, and neighbors.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Vining Arthur Wilmot.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with Pastor Ted Polleys officiating.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the Charlevoix Garden Club.

Online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.