Patricia “Pat” A. LaFave, age 86, of Escanaba, passed away early Wednesday morning, April 22, 2020 at Lakeview Assisted Living & Memory Care in Gladstone. She was born on June 17, 1933 in Escanaba, the daughter of Bill and Charlotte (Woodard) Doucette. Pat was raised and attended school in Escanaba and was a 1951 graduate of Escanaba High School. Following graduation, she attended nursing school in Peoria, IL where she received her LPN Degree. Pat returned back to Escanaba and worked for WDBC radio station for a few years. The former Patricia A. Doucette married Ernest “Ernie” J. LaFave on May 25, 1961 in Escanaba. Together, the couple shared nearly 59 years of marriage and raised two daughters, Laurie and Mickey. Pat was employed by Dr. Vernon Johnson for many years and later Dr. Bruce Carlyon as a dental assistant until retiring to take care of her elderly parents. Pat went back to work and was employed by the Escanaba Public Library for 10 years as a library page. Pat was always on the move and enjoyed exercising. She could often be found riding her bike and walking throughout Ludington Park. Pat taught water aerobics at the YMCA for many years, swam 50 laps 3 times a week, and also lifted weights at the YMCA. She was an avid reader and would read multiple books a week. Pat and Ernie greatly enjoyed traveling to various places around the world with their dear friends, Art and Lois Anderson. She also looked forward to the “Deer Hunters Widow” trip each year to Chicago with the girls, attending the Escanaba City Band concerts in the park, and also getting together every Wednesday at the Stonehouse with the girls she graduated with. Pat was strong in her faith as a member of St. Joseph & St. Patrick Catholic Church in Escanaba, was a member of Altrusa, and the Delta County Historical Society. Pat was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Patricia A. LaFave is survived by her husband, Ernest LaFave of Escanaba; daughter, Mickey LaFave of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Caleb Larson of Ford River, and Stacy Nardi-Miron of Iron Mountain, MI; son-in-law, Brent Larson of Ford River; sister, Betty (Ed) Leonard of AZ; sister-in-law, Joyce Hamilton of Albuquerque, NM; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Charlotte Doucette; and her daughter, Laurie Larson.
Private family visitation and funeral services will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba with Father Timothy Ferguson of St. Joseph & St. Patrick Catholic Church officiating. Burial will take place in Gardens of Rest Cemetery. The family would like extend a special thank you to Lakeview Assisted Living & Memory Care, U.P. Health System Hospice, OSF St. Francis Emergency Room, Rampart EMS, and Escanaba Public Safety for all of their caring and support given to Pat.
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