October 31, 1924 ~ July 9, 2024
Patricia “Pat” Ann Wyns, 99, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, July 9, 2024. She was born on Halloween, Oct. 31, 1924, in Shelby, the daughter of John and Vera (Delaney) Harrison.
In high school, Pat enjoyed theater, basketball, tennis, dance and was the marching band’s drum majorette. After graduation, she continued her education at Grand Rapids Junior College. On a visit home from college, Pat and her parents attended a dance in Shelby with her parents’ best friends, Frank and Gladys Wyns. Arriving later was their son, Gordon, a naval aviator, who was home on leave. Whether it was the uniform or parental matchmaking, something clicked between the two. Pat and Gordon were married a few months later, in December 1943. Pat and Gordon were able to share 75 beautiful years together.
Pat and Gordon returned to Shelby after Gordon’s military service. In 1946, she accepted a job as the high school secretary. Her interactions with students and staff and her beloved “office block girls” were very special to her. She stated that she trained many principals through the years. The Class of 1968 dedicated their yearbook in her honor: “Mrs. Wyns is every student’s friend and is only too glad to help you or to solve your problems. Because of her ability to combine efficiency with informality, she has created a positive atmosphere that spreads throughout the entire school.”
She was very active in the community: a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and several local service groups. Pat loved spending time with her friends, playing in her weekly golf leagues at Benona and Oceana and her three bridge clubs. Big band music, dancing, Tiger baseball and time spent with her grands and great-grands were treasured. For years, she walked two to three miles daily through Shelby and was affectionately known as the “hat lady” for her colorful hats displayed during her walks.
Pat is survived by: her sons, John (Barbara) and Jeff (Karen); grandchildren, Brian (Karen), Molly Wyns (Dan Mather), and Betsy Wyns (Dylan Huebner); great-grandchildren, Harrison, Hope and Leoma; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon.
Pat lived a long life. She had an outgoing personality full of cheer, love, and constant activity. After 99 years, she will finally get some rest.
Pat was a member of the Shelby Congregational Church for many years, before transferring her membership to Trinity Lutheran Church of New Era.
A remembrance service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 2, the first Saturday following what would have been her 100th birthday on Halloween, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5631 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era, Mich. 49446, with Susan Harrison officiating. Visitation will also be on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the church from 10–11:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. harrisfhome.com
