Patty Arthur

Taken from her loved ones much too soon, Patricia Arthur touched the lives of countless others within her reach. She was a vibrant woman with a graceful strength and an unending courage that provides us all with much to aspire for. Blessed to find the love of her life, Patty cherished nothing more than becoming a mother to the two children who were the light of her life. She was never one to worry about building great wealth or achieving a shining status, but she made it her focus to fully experience each new day she was given. Patty leaves behind a brilliantly colored mosaic of memories that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of those too numerous to count.

The 1960s were a colorful time in American history. We were charting new waters as a nation with civil rights and women’s rights often in the forefront of the days’ news while we celebrated the first American on the moon in 1969. Nestled within this exciting time was the year 1967 that was filled with great joy for one young couple from Clinton Township, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their precious baby girl on Valentine’s Day, February 14th. Born in Detroit, Patricia was one of three children born to her parents, William II and Joanne (Rickman) Arthur. She was raised in the family home alongside her older brothers, Bill and Robert, and it was a common sight to see one of her brothers carrying her around. In fact, Patty never needed to talk much at home either since her brothers did the talking for her! Needless to say, she was the princess in the family who was doted over by everyone including her brothers.

In many ways Patty experienced an upbringing that was typical for the youth of her generation. Her father worked as a marketing executive while her mother was an office manager and busy housewife. Patty was beautiful right from the start, winning second place in a cutest baby contest when she was only two. Her sparkling personality also emerged at a young age as she was awarded with best personality. Patty attended local schools where she tried cheerleading for a time. Although she had a bubbly demeanor, Patty decided cheerleading wasn’t a good fit and became involved in more conventional sports instead. She joined the girls’ soccer, basketball, and softball teams and was a member of the 1985 state championship softball team. Soccer was Patty’s favorite sport, though, and she also played trumpet in the school band as well. Not surprisingly, she was popular among her peers and had friends from every different group at school.

After graduating from high school Patty attended the University of Michigan-Dearborn where she played basketball on a scholarship. She also applied herself to her studies, earning her Bachelor of Science in Accounting. It was while in college that Patty met the young man with whom she would spend a lifetime of love. His name was Thomas Joseph, and they met at a college movie night. Thomas went with his friends, Tio and Pat, who had brought the striking young Patty with them. He was thrilled to find that she wasn’t actually Pat’s girl as he had thought, and he was even more excited to run in to her at a party the next night. After discovering that they had finished someone else's coke, Thomas came to Patty's aide with a six pack of replacement coke, the next day, in his hand. Patty just looked at him and said, "who are you again?"”

Somehow Thomas did manage to make an impression, however, and after dating for a time the couple was united in marriage in the early nineties. It was always an inside joke that Patty still hadn’t changed her name - 21 years later! Patty and Thomas were delighted to welcome twins, Kiera Joseph and Thomas "Trey" Joseph III, into their hearts and home nearly seven years ago.

It was easy to see that Patty’s family was her greatest treasure. Family time was always a priority including the time they spent at their cabin on Torch Lake. Thomas and Patty looked forward to spending their retirement years there, and her family finds comfort in knowing that it will be her final resting place. Priceless moments were also spent on a family vacation to Disney World when Kiera and Trey were four years old. Pets were also an important part of life in Patty’s home including their Siberian Huskies, Blue and Storm, and Kiera’s special goldfish, all of which she can name, and Trey’s chinchilla, Softy. A couple of their pets came into their lives rather unconventionally including the goldfish Kiera won at the Elk Rapids Fair. This prompted Trey’s request for a pet, too, which is how Softie came into their lives, but the irony in the situation is how a $.25 goldfish Kiera named Silly ended up costing Patty and Thomas more than $150 for the chinchilla!

Although her family was always Patty’s main priority, her life was enriched in other ways as well. Her entire career was spent working for the Palmer family throughout their various business ventures. Patty first worked as their accountant and later worked as their controller as well. She was a huge sports enthusiast and was involved with the Ford Women’s Soccer Club in a variety of ways. Patty was a member of their very first team, and she also took part in several of the club’s charitable activities including adopting and cleaning up a section of the local highway alongside her husband. She remained a huge fan of U of M-Dearborn basketball, and when it came to her musical taste she was country all the way. Patty almost never watched television but was usually buried between the pages of a fantasy romance novel of some kind like those written by Nora Roberts.

Patty and those who loved her were given a tough pill to swallow when she was diagnosed with breast cancer on Labor Day in 2011. She bravely fought the disease and the side effects of the treatment, but she was unable to overcome the fierce disease that waged war against her.

The journey of Patricia Arthur is filled with hard work, fun-filled adventures, and unending love for her family. She was the rock in her husband’s life and the steady and nurturing force in the lives of her beloved children. Strong, steady, and compassionate, Patty was a true blessing given to all who knew and loved her. Life will never be the same without her here, but she will never be forgotten. Within Tom, Kiera's, and Thomas III world, everyday with Patty was the best day of their lives

Patricia “Patty” Arthur died on November 15, 2012. Patty’s family includes her husband, Thomas Joseph; children, Kiera Joseph, and Thomas “Trey” Joseph III; brothers, Bill (Dawn) and Robert (Patricia) Arthur; mother and father-in-law, Thomas Joseph Sr. and Linda Joseph; and sisters-in-law, Monica (Shaun) McCracken, and Melissa Joseph. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Neely-Turowski Funeral Home 45100 W. Warren Road in Canton. Funeral Wednesday 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place on Saturday, December 1st @ 1:00 pm at Lakeview Cemetary, Torch Lake Township Michigan, located on E. Torch Lake Dr. just south of M-88, 45 Minutes North of Traverse City Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.