Obituaries

Patricia “Pat” Jean (nee Halberg) Bishop, age 92, of Saint Ignace, Michigan, peacefully passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, after a long battle with breast cancer, at Pinecrest Village of Mackinaw in Mackinaw City, Michigan.

Pat was born November 22, 1930, to Carl Halberg and Adelia (nee LaGrille) Halberg, in Detroit, Michigan. Shortly after she was born, her family moved back to their hometown of Saing Ignace, where her father started a commercial fishing business with his brother. She attended the Ursuline Academy through the 7th grade, and then convinced her parents that she wanted to attend the public school for 8th grade. It was that year, 1944, that she met her boyfriend and lifetime partner, Bob Bishop. Pat graduated from LaSalle High School in 1949. She attended one semester at the University of Michigan, but then returned home. Pat and Bob were married October 14, 1950, at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Saint Ignace by Bob’s cousin, Father Bill Sherzer. They made their home in Saint Ignace. Later after she had her children, she attended the Beauty Academy in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, for one year, commuting back and forth each day to achieve her beautician’s license. She had her own business in her home for many years. Later she earned her real estate license and her broker’s license and worked at Coldwell Banker in Saint Ignace for many years. Pat and Bob were fortunate to enjoy 29 winters at their Fort Lauderdale, Florida apartment. They both loved the warm weather and made many new friends, golf, and bridge partners. They always loved returning to their Lake Huron home in the Spring.

Pat loved to travel and went on many trips with girlfriends, and she loved shopping. She enjoyed golfing and was involved with the lady’s league in Saint Ignace for many years. Pat and Bob played together in a couple’s Friday night league for many years as well. She also loved bridge and was part of a women’s weekly group. Pat and Bob also played bridge together with friends throughout their marriage. Pat loved winter sports and was an excellent downhill and cross-country skier. She was a wonderful cook and was always looking for new recipes to try new things. Holiday meals were always her favorites. Pat was lucky to have many close friends and she will surely be missed.

Pat was a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church all her life. She was a member of the St. Anne Altar Society. She was also a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Pat is survived by her two children and their families, Mike and Marci Bishop of Saint Ignace and Penny Bishop Vokes of Saint Ignace; two grandchildren, Christopher Pemble of Petoskey Michigan, and Lindsay Bishop and her partner, Jeremy Vesper of Benzonia, Michigan; and four great-granddaughters, Paige, Grace, Sophia, and Emelia Pemble.

In additional to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Bob Bishop, on August 7, 2018.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 120 Church Street, Saint Ignace, Michigan 49781.

There will be a graveside service in the Spring of 2024, when many of the Bishop family will be back from warmer climates.

Pat will be laid to rest next to her husband at the St. Ignatius Loyola Cemetery in Saint Ignace, “A limb has fallen from the Family Tree, that says, Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the Good Life I lived while I was Strong.”

Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com