Phone: (906) 786-2142
400 S 10th St. - Escanaba, Michigan 49829
West 3755 US 2 - Spalding, Michigan 49886
 
Patricia "Pat" Zanella
Date of Death: February, 17 2018


          Patricia Ann "Pat" Zanella left this world February 17, 2018 and was welcomed into heaven with open arms.  Patricia’s life was based on making others happiest before herself, from volunteering as a lunch lady at Holy Name Catholic School for many years to becoming Volunteer of the Year at Christian Park Village. Her life revolved around putting others before herself.  Pat’s faith in God and true kindness was her example of a fulfilling life. Those who knew her loved her and she loved unconditionally. 
 
            She was born on April 29, 1931, the daughter of Raymond and Methodia (Karpinski) Gervais. Pat taught school in Skanee, Michigan in the early 50’s and went on to marry Byron “Big Z” Zanella on June 26, 1954 in Ashland, Wisconsin. He preceded her in death in 2003.  Pat was a devoted wife and mother. Together they raised two children: Dean (Connie) Zanella, of Amherst, Wisconsin, and Gina (Steve) Davidson of Escanaba. Pat’s children were the center of her world from beginning to end.
 
            Pat was also blessed with five grandchildren whom she cherished immensely:  Anton “AJ” Zanella, Gracie Zanella , Jason (Rachel) Davidson, Erin Davidson and Sutton Davidson.
 
            Pat was fortunate to have found love again late in life and married Robert Milton Jensen in 2008. He also preceded her in death in 2010.
 
            She leaves to survive: Dean, Connie, Anton, and Gracie Zanella; Gina, Steve, Jason, Rachel, and Erin Davidson; one brother: George Gervais of Kenosha, Wisconsin, one sister: Ellie Wombacher of Golden Valley, Minnesota, and many nieces and nephews.
           
            Pat was also preceded in death by her infant grandson: Sutton Davidson, her parents, and five siblings: Raymond Gervais, Virginia Olby, Rosemary Carroll, Frank Gervais, and Agnes Gervais.
 
            Pat’s family humbly invites you to Patricia’s celebration of life on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at St. Anne Catholic Church from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow visitation at 3:00 P.M. at church with Fr. Francis DeGroot officiating. A meal will be served in the parish hall following mass. 
            Entombment will be in the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum….in the “WALL OF FAME”. Love you Mom!!
 
            In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Holy Name Catholic School. 
 
            The Allo Coolman Funeral Homes are assisting the Zanella family.
           
            Please visit allofh.com to send condolences to her family.

Condolences
  • "Her Love was a great example for us. We will not forget her influence on our lives."
    -Gordon and Laura Bertagnoli

  • "Our condolences to all of you. One thing omitted from her obituary was that, back in the day, Pat could polka like no other. I fondly remember her and Byron visiting Chicago when I was a kid. She was my Dad's (Chicago Joe) cousin and she and Byron were both very loving people. We cannot make it there for the funeral, unfortunately. God Bless all of you and Rest in Peace, Pat. Love, Greg & Pam Gervais"
    -Greg & Pam Gervais

  • "Auntie Pat was truly an amazing loving person. Always a laugh and a warm, welcoming smile and we were so blessed to be part of her life. I will always remember her and the grace with which she lived her life. We love you Auntie Pat and will miss you very much❤❤❤❤❤❤"
    -Kim Bertagnoli

  • "Auntie Pat was the bright star in our family! She made us all feel so special, loved, and she knew how to laugh. I will miss my annual visits to see her in Escanaba and will feel grateful forever that my parents chose her to be my Godmother. Love you to Pluto and back Auntie Pat and until we meet again!"
    -Lynda Chase & David Otlewski

  • "Gina and Dean, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom is a beautiful soul one of the most loving caring person I have ever known. Love and prayers to all of you, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Tina"
    -Tina (Rivard) Jensen

  • "Dean and Gina, how very fond I was of your mother. She had a gift of making everyone feel special and loved. And she loved to laugh and it was very contagious. Every time I think of Pat I get a smile on my face and in my heart. My deepest sympathy to you and your families at this time of deep sorrow. "
    -Dan Nolan

  • "My condolences to all of you. Zanella Silvana Lozzo di Cadore Belluno Italy"
    -Zanella Silvana

  • "Gina and Dean, Your mom, my favorite auntie was pure light to be around. As a child i remember always wanting to be sitting near her, she had a presence that made me feel so safe and deeply loved and understood. I treasure the spontaneous laughter we so often shared at family gatherings. She had a way of creating beautiful chemistry with so many.. She was a real role model of kindness and gentleness and i will forever miss looking into her warm, bright eye. My deepest love and respect to you and your beautiful families always. "
    -Kathleen and Tim Kay

  • "My mother and Byron were first cousins and as a child I spent much time with Byron and Pat. She was such a loving and caring individual. We couldn't wait to visit them."
    -Gary Zanetti

  • "Pat has been a very close friend of mine for nearly 50 years. Pretty sure we met as we dropped our little ones off at nursery school. Anyway you bet “to know her was to love her”. What a special, loving and kind friend she was. We shared laughs and many tears together but it made the burdens always lighter. Gosh I will deeply miss your beautiful mom as I know you will but I rejoice that she is safely home in the arms of Jesus! "
    -Sandy

  • "My sympathies on the loss of your mother. How so very lucky you were to have her so long."
    -Debra Osier

  • "Dear Dino & Gina: Your Mom (Pat) was one of my most treasured friends. I can’t begin to tell you how much I am going to miss her. We met at Christian Park about 1985 when we would serve coffee on Thursday mornings to the residents. We would often go to lunch after, or just visit. She was such a spiritual lady, so full of the Lord. In 1997 we moved to WI, but Mike & I would continue to visit her whenever we came to Escanaba. The last time I saw her was last August; I will never forget her beautiful smile. She is with Jesus now, and I know she is happy. God bless you all as you go through this difficult time."
    -Ellen and Mike McDonald

  • "Dean & Gina Know that in this time of Sorrow you & your families are in my prayers. It was a pleasure to get to know your mom & your families."
    -Colleen Burnard (Tourangeau)

  • "Dear Dean and Gina, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mother. My thoughts and prayers and with you and your family at this very sad time. "
    -Sunday Caswell

  • " My thoughts and love are with you she will truly be missed "
    -Frank Gervais


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