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Patricia A. ‘Pat’ Bigger

MARQUETTE, Mich. — Patricia A. “Pat” Bigger, age 80, of Marquette, entered eternal life on Friday February 17, 2017 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility in the loving care of her family.

Pat was born April 17, 1936 in Marquette, a daughter of the late Robert and Elizabeth (Meisch) O’Neill, and attended Marquette area schools. Patricia left school in the 8th grade and started working at Donckers and Morgan Heights. On November 26, 1955 she married Ralph E. Bigger in Marquette and the couple soon set about establishing their home and raising a family.

In 1983, after her family was raised, Pat went to work at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans as a cook’s aide where she was affectionately referred to as “Peppermint Patty” retiring at the age of 66. She later enrolled in the Adult Education Program offered through the Marquette Senior High School, completing her high school diploma in 1985.

While in retirement, she and her husband Fred, loved going for walks, attending senior dances and traveling. In 2012 Patricia entered Marquette Medical Care Facility where she was currently living and her husband Fred was at her side every day from the time she entered the facility.

Pat was an avid outdoors-woman, who enjoyed working in her flower gardens, hunting, going to camp, and hiking. She also loved to dance, do acrylic painting, and crochet. She was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church.

A loving mother, proud grandparent, and caring sister, she is survived by her loving husband Fred Eggli whom she married in 2005; four daughters, Cynthia (James) Gochanour of Skandia, Rebecca (Mark) Cain of Negaunee, and Kathleen (Larry) Vail of Marquette and Amy (George) Feliciano of Menominee; three sons, Timothy (Cindy) Bigger and Michael (Christine) Bigger both of Marquette, and Brad Bigger of Florida ; sixteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; four sisters, Margaret (Gerald) Keller of Marquette, Maureen (Robert) Hofer of Gwinn, and Eileen O’Neill of Harvey; a brother, Emmett (Gail) O’Neill of Waukegan, IL; brother-in-law; Fred Melka of Negaunee; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph E. Bigger in 1997; two sisters, Roberta “Bobbi” Zorza and Geraldine “Deanie” Melka and brother, John O’Neill.

The family of Patricia would like to express a heart felt thank you to her husband Fred and the caregivers of Marquette County Medical Care Facility for the wonderful care given to Patricia.

Friends may call at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home on Wednesday February 22, 2017 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow in the funeral home reception room. Burial will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers memorial may be directed to U.P.A.W.S. or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

The Swanson-Lund quist Funeral Home is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at www.swansonlundquist funeralhome.com.