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GWINN, MI – Patricia Helen Vezina, 88, of Gwinn, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
She was born on March 16, 1938, in Manistique, MI, a daughter of Mary Aileen (McLaughlin) and Paul Wescott Vezina. She was a 1956 graduate of Manistique High School, attended Marquette University, and later transferred to Northern Michigan University where she earned a bachelor's in English with a minor in Drama and a master's in Guidance and Counseling.
Patricia was an advocate for children. She worked at the NICE Community School District in Ishpeming and later moved to Tucson, Arizona where she worked with Child Protective Services. Prior to her retirement, she moved to the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation and worked as a children’s counselor. In 2003, she returned to Marquette and Forsythe Counties where she resided until her passing.
In her younger years, she enjoyed community theater, hiking, travelling, and caring for her pets including her horse, Montana. She loved the West and spent years living between Tucson and Marquette. She loved her friends and family and was an avid reader who enjoyed creating a home that reflected her travels and love for the west. In addition to designing a beautiful home, she enjoyed time outside in her garden planting a new bush, filling her flower boxes, or watching a backyard full of deer during the winter.
Patricia will be remembered by her family as a beautiful, intelligent, artistic, and tender soul who dedicated much of her life to protecting vulnerable children.
Her deep love for God and humanity fueled her passion for her life's work as well as her tenderness toward her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her beloved children, Eric (Carrie Wilfong) Willman of Escanaba, Monica Willman of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Moira (Jim) Noetzel of Felch, MI, Kelly Willman of Nashville, TN, and Sean (Jill) Willman of Moorhead, MN; grandchildren, Scott, Tony, Ashley, Brianna and Alexa Willman, Alexandra (Michael) Wozniak, Nick Willman, James Noetzel III, Christian, Brendan and Gabriel Willman, Jacob Gouveia and Jack Willman; 7 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Scott Willman in 2002, and siblings, Paul Vezina, Catherine LaMourie and Frances Vezina.
Honoring Patricia's wishes, a private family gathering will be held. Interment will take place in Fairview Cemetery in Manistique next spring.
Fassbender Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com