Patricia Joan Wilson

Patricia Joan was born during the blizzard of ‘35 in Muskegon, MI, to L. Ralph Knapp and Margaret (nee Johnson). She and her identical twin, Margaret, were just 3 pounds at birth. Their survival was credited to the care and prayers of the nurses and nuns at the Catholic hospital where they were born. Following her 1953 graduation from Muskegon Senior High School, Patricia studied nursing at Highland Park General Hospital, graduating in1956. In the 70’s, she continued her education at the University of Michigan, becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Patricia (Pat) married the love of her life, Robert L. Wilson, on September 1st, 1956. They were the perfect couple that lived life to the fullest, and were blessed with 60 years of life as husband and wife. Pat’s number one priority was always her family. She was an amazing mother that had four children in five short years and raised them into adults she was proud to call hers, all while juggling the demands of a full-time job, a home and a cottage. Service to her community, through her church and many volunteer organizations, was a major part of Pat’s 30 plus years in Palm Coast. She regularly hosted neighborhood socials, volunteered at the Food Pantry, and supported The Alpha Women’s center. Her compassion for others was also shared throughout her professional career. Starting out as an RN working primarily in the OR, she eventually became the Chief Nurse Anesthetist at the University of Michigan Hospital. It was a role she was both very proud of and excelled at. Her skills led to her election as the President of the Michigan Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Pat and Bob purchased a cottage on Stag Island (Ontario, Canada) in the summer of 1965. They and their families have enjoyed every summer there since. The island held a very special place in their hearts and lives. Remarkably, Pat was still water skiing at the island when she was 80! While driving can be a challenge for some, she excelled at not just driving the car but continued driving the boat at the island, navigating the challenges of the St. Clair River at 88. As a grandmother and great grandmother, Pat cherished sharing her passions with the kids. She was always up for a game of cribbage, teaching them to crochet, and baking the most delicious treats! Pat and her twin sister Margaret (Peg) remained connected with daily phone calls and special trips they took together. In the 1940’s they were both Bat Girls for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Their uniforms are now displayed in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Although Pat was soft-spoken and never sought attention, she had many admirers who continue to be inspired by her strength of character, active lifestyle and thoughtful ways. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband and her older sister, Elizabeth Fosheim. She is survived by her children: Robert Wilson (Elise); Richard Wilson; Russell Wilson (Suzette); Laura Kiehner (Scott). Grandchildren: Kelly Messens, Stephanie Barbarich, Christopher Wilson, Anton Kiehner, Patricia Kiehner and four great grandchildren. Pat’s funeral will be held on Saturday, May 11th, 10 AM, at Shepherd of the Coast Lutheran Church, 101 Pine Lakes Parkway South, Palm Coast, Florida 32164 (reception will follow). In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Shepherd of the Coast Lutheran Church or to the Salvation Army at: https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/give/164006/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=USN_WaysToGive&c_src2=OneTime

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Patricia Joan Wilson

February 5, 1935 - April 27, 2024