Patrice Emma Corbat

Patrice “Patty” Emma Corbat of Breckenridge, Michigan

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, and friend passed away peacefully at her home, with her family holding her, on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. She was 61 years old.

Patrice Emma Michael was born on November 23, 1960, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Robert and Mary Jane (Madden) Michael. She was a 1979 graduate of Merrill High School, where she met her “favorite person in the whole world,” the love of her life, Thomas J. Corbat. They married on July 12, 1980; Tom survives her.

The role of Patty’s lifetime was creating her beautiful family with Tom; a daughter, Ashley, and two sons, Joshua and Jesse. Patty and Tom’s children could rest easy knowing that their biggest fans, supporters, and safe place to land was with their parents. Patty believed that life is a journey, and she was willing to go where her passions called her. Patty had many jobs through the years, including creating custom furniture, furniture repair, mail delivery, and daycare provider. When Patty was 45 years old, she decided to go to college to become a Registered Nurse. Patty was a kind, caring, and compassionate nurse and worked for Midland County Community Mental Health for ten years before her retirement in 2020.

Patty was an extraordinarily gifted and talented woodworking artist, creating beautiful and inspiring pieces, many of which will be cherished by her loved ones for years to come. Patty was a longtime faithful member of St. John XXIII Parish/St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ryan, where many of her custom pieces reside. Patty and Tom designed and built their beautiful home in the woods together, their sanctuary, where their family gathers frequently. Patty joyfully watched and joined her children and grandchildren as they swam, rode bikes, hiked, and ice skated, surrounded by the miracle of nature. Patty designed a charming work-shop, “the cabin,” which sits next door to the house, making for a great daily commute. She found peace and tranquility in the cabin, creating her later works of art. She hosted “Art Class” for her granddaughters Lucy and Penny on Wednesdays at the cabin, where they spent many hours learning various artistic skills, creating masterpieces, and cuddling and coloring together in the loft. Patty was never afraid to try something entirely new, taking up chainsaw carving in her last few years.

Patty had a passion for traveling. She and Tom, incredibly proud “pilot parents,” took full advantage of their son Jesse’s flight benefits to explore the world. Patty’s favorite travel memories include watching Kodiak bears in Alaska, beach days in Puerto Rico and Turks and Caicos, and kayaking in any body of water she could find.

Patty left her indelible mark on this world through her selflessness and deep understanding that time with loved ones is the only significant currency. She showed infinite wisdom in her craft, her commitment to life-long learning, being open to change, and her incredible strength battling the big C over and over again. Patty was a bright light; if you were lucky enough to be a part of her life, you couldn’t help but be changed. Her light grows within all who know her, and the world is a brighter place because she was in it.

Surviving is her husband of over 41 years, Thomas J. Corbat of Breckenridge; a daughter and two sons: Ashley (Shane) Bugbee of Breckenridge; Joshua (Brandon Adams) Corbat of Garner, North Carolina, and Jesse Corbat of wherever he lands; two granddaughters, Lucille and Penelope Bugbee; parents, Robert and Mary Jane Michael of Merrill; six sisters and three brothers: Maureen (Aubrey) Woods, Rachel (Paul) Arends, Bernadette (Bob) Stone, Mindy (Bill) DePlaunte, John Michael, Kip (Jayne) Michael, Cindy (Eric) Fleming, Becky (Dave) Reichle, and Bob (Sue) Michael. Also surviving are many loving sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father-in-law Harold Corbat and many angel grandbabies.

Honoring Patrice’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at St. John XXIII Parish, St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4708 N. Meridian Road. Rev. Fr. Michael F. Steltenkamp, S.J. will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 125 E. Saginaw Street, Merrill, on Friday, March 25, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Midland County and the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers. Patty’s family asks you to please share your thoughts and treasured memories with them at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.