Patricia Stratton

TRAVERSE CITY — Patricia Ann Stratton passed away Monday, July 29, 2013, peacefully at home surrounded by her children. A lifelong resident of Traverse City, she was born Feb. 7, 1930 to Clarissa (Duell) and LeRoy Dewitt. She married Max C. Gabourie Sr. on June 6, 1947. They had four children, Maxine (Jeff) Couturier, Max C. Jr. (Roni), Carolyn (Jerry) Crandall, and Miko (Kathy) Gabourie. Her children brought her 11 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. After Max Sr. died, she married Alfred Stratton on July 7, 1962. He brought her two stepsons, Ronald (Shirley) and Dennis (Pat) Stratton. Patricia was also the beloved grandmother of Ronald's three daughters Julie Stratton, Cathleen Stratton, and Barbara Stratton and great grandmother to Julie's two daughters, Cathleen's daughter and son, and Barbara's two sons. She was also great-great grandmother to several of Julie's grandchildren. Julie, Cathleen, and Barbara have fond memories of time spent with their grandma Pat including enjoying eating her legendary steak and egg breakfasts, fishing with her and exchanging letters and photographs for many years. She also is survived by one brother, Milo (Judy) DeWitt and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, sister Ruth, brother Fred, stepson Ronald, and recently her son Max (Buzz). Pat loved to play cards, Bingo, do crossword puzzles, and loved fishing. She retired from Traverse City Public Schools. There will be no services per her request. Burial will be at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens, Traverse City. Contributions may be made to the Cherryland Humane Society. Please visit Patricia's webpage at www.lifestorytct.com to sign the guest book and share a message or memory with her family. The family chose Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City to handle the arrangements.