Patricia Gaylord

Patricia Marie Gaylord, 96, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 14, 2025. She was born December 24, 1928 in Indian River, Michigan to Irish parents, Ernest and Kathryn (Mitchell) Coy. Patricia was the youngest of 7, raised in Alden, Michigan along Torch Lake where she and her siblings spent their time.

Patricia graduated from Elk Rapids High School. She worked in the Alden Post Office and also the Higgins Store where she made the "best" Cherry Cokes and hot fudge sundaes.

Patricia met her future husband, James Gaylord of Mancelona. They moved to Ypsilanti and raised 2 children: Kathryn and Dan. She was a stay at home mother and a long time member of the Methodist Church of Ypsilanti.

Patricia was also a Girl Scout Leader in her daughter's troop. She taught Sunday school at the church and volunteered at the Thrift Shop in downtown Ypsilanti. Her fondest memories was playing saxophone at school with the Band. The "Bugle Boy from Company B" was her favorite song to play.

After her husband's passing, she moved to Mancelona to live with her daughter, Kathryn for a time. At that point, she was admitted to Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire due to illness and remained there until her passing. She made many friends there at Meadow Brook and she will be truly missed by all.

Patricia is survived by her 2 children: Kathryn of Mancelona and Dan (Brenda) of Ellenton, Florida, as well as 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband James and 6 siblings.

A memorial service has not been scheduled until spring. Arrangements are in the care of the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Online guestbook: www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.