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April 9, 1936 – Jan. 30, 2024
Patricia Faye Gamage, known affectionately to friends and family as "Pat," passed away peacefully on Jan. 30, 2024, at the age of 87, in her hometown of Alpena, where she was also born on April 9, 1936. She was the cherished daughter of the late Earle and Aubrey (Walmsley) Reynolds and a beacon of love and education in her community. Earle would later remarry Hilda Phillips after Aubrey's passing. Hilda was wonderfully loving and nurturing to Pat.
After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, Pat pursued her passion for education by obtaining a master's degree from Central Michigan University. She devoted her career to teaching for Head Start as well as the Alpena Public Schools, where she touched the lives of countless students with her wisdom and compassion.
Pat's love story began at the age of 14, in her freshman English class, where she would meet Herb Gamage. The two of them eventually married in 1957 at the United Methodist Church in Alpena. Together, they built a life filled with joy and raised a loving family. She was a nurturing mother to Connie (Nate Jost), Mark (Nicole Morrison), Paul (Stacy), and Pete (Linda) Gamage. Pat was also a proud grandmother to Heather (Andrew Walton) Hoshal, Matthew (Michelle) Hoshal, Nathan Hoshal (Kellan Kryak), Paul Gamage Jr. (Brianna), Jessica Domke (Eric Smith), Lakin (Tyler) Konieczny, Heather (Jace) Konieczny, Ian (Mikalah), Daniel (Jordan Girard), Luke, McKenzie, Bryce, and Emily Gamage. She was blessed to be a great-grandmother to thirteen great-grandchildren. Pat's sister, Joyce Sobeck, along with numerous nieces and nephews, also survive her. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Donald and Kenneth Reynolds.
Pat's interests and hobbies were a reflection of her vibrant spirit and love for life. She was an avid reader, enjoyed music and singing, and took pleasure in scrapbooking cherished family memories. A passionate fan of U-of-M basketball and football, as well as the Detroit Tigers, Pat never missed a chance to cheer on her favorite teams. She was the heart and organizer of her family, especially known for making family Christmas cookies that everyone looked forward to each year.
As a dedicated wife and mother, Pat's family was the center of her world. She was the glue that held them together, always ensuring that each member felt loved and supported. Her home was a haven of warmth, where laughter and love were in endless supply.
Pat was a life-long member of the Methodist Church, where she served in various functions especially as choir director, living out her faith in both word and deed. Her faith-filled life was an inspiration to all who knew her, and her loving nature was the hallmark of her existence.
Those who knew Pat will remember her for her loving and caring demeanor. She was a woman of strength and grace, who faced life's challenges with unwavering faith. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of her family and the many lives she touched through her teaching and community involvement.
Family will receive friends on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McWilliams Funeral Home. Visitation will resume on Saturday at the Spratt United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. until the memorial service at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Robert Nystrom and the Rev. Jon Reynolds officiating. Memorial donations can be made to the Alpena Public Library. Inurnment: Evergreen Cemetery