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Patrick Donnelly
Patrick Donnelly
On the sunny afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 13, Patrick M. Donnelly passed away peacefully after a courageous 10-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer. Pat was in his happy place—in his recliner in the sunroom, surrounded by his loving family, his birds, and the deer.
Pat was born in Flint, Michigan, on July 27, 1947, to F. James and Herberta (Bettesworth) Donnelly. In 1961, his family moved to Bay City, where Pat met the love of his life, Judy Frank, at St. Mary’s High School. They married on Aug. 28, 1965, and welcomed two children, Mike and Mary.
Pat began his career at GM’s Malleable Iron and later joined Consumers Energy. In 1969, Pat and Judy moved their young family to Charlevoix, where he began working as an Auxiliary Operator at Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant. He spent the remainder of his career with Consumers Energy and related nuclear organizations, ultimately becoming Plant Manager of Big Rock Point.
Over 57 years in Charlevoix, Pat made countless lifelong friends. He found a second home at the Townhouse Bar, where he enjoyed time with friends and Big Rock colleagues. He played on many men’s softball teams and, in retirement, treasured daily coffee with the “coffee boys.” He loved to joke that after spending five months in Arizona, he could return home and find they were still discussing the same topics at coffee!
Pat was known for his infectious laugh, quick wit, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. Asked how he was doing, he might say he was a “C+” or simply happy to be “seen” and not “viewed.” His humor and laughter will be deeply missed.
Pat was deeply involved in the Charlevoix community, serving as President of the United Way and the Utility Workers Union of America, and on the Chamber of Commerce and Michigan Works boards. He was an active member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Parish, where he ushered and sang in the choir, and was a proud Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
After retiring, Pat and Judy enjoyed winters at SunBird Golf Resort in Chandler, Arizona, where they formed cherished friendships and became known for their legendary St. Patrick’s Day parties.
Pat is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Judy; children Mike (Shelley) Donnelly and Mary (Dave) Lang; grandchildren Caitlin (Stephen) Busscher, Allison (Jonathan) Logan, Kristin Donnelly, Lexi Lang, Connor Lang, and Cameron (Mikayla) Lang; and great-grandchildren Declan, Kodi, Evelyn, and Oakley. He is also survived by his siblings Nancy Malovey, Karen LaMoria, Brian (Mary) Donnelly, Suellen Bartel, Tom (Wendy) Donnelly, and Jeff (Kelli) Donnelly, along with many beloved relatives and friends.
Pat was predeceased by his parents and several siblings, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Pat lived a life filled with family, friendship, service, laughter, faith, and a whole lot of fun. He leaves behind a legacy of love and countless stories that will be shared for years to come. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
A Funeral Mass was held Sept. 19 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlevoix. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, 1005 Bridge Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720.
Joan Carline
Joan Carline
Joan Carline, beloved matriarch and steady heart of her family, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, at Vesta House Hospice, with her granddaughter Danielle Powers by her side. She was 96.
Born June 2, 1930, in Jersey City, N.J., Joan grew up in the joyful swirl of grandparents, parents, cousins, and lifelong friends (Maria Fautus), especially during summers at the Jersey Shore. Those early years shaped her lifelong devotion to family, community, and the simple holiness of loving people well.
On June 5, 1949, Joan married the love of her life, Thomas James Carline. In 1973, tired of shoveling snow, they moved their family to Scottsdale, later settling in SunBird in 1991.
Joan was the cherished mother of Dennis, Thomas, Diann, and Antoinette; grandmother to Brandy, Zachary, Danielle, and Catherine; great-grandmother to Gillian, Taylor, Preston/ Zane, Alexandria, Niklaus, Sienna and Gage; and great-great-grandmother to Mauricio, Anthony, and Joana. She is survived by her younger sister, Lucy Kastin Geller, and preceded in death by her brother, Angelo Sciavolino.
A devoted Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. Stevens Catholic Church in Sun Lakes, Joan lived her faith daily. She loved without prejudice, welcomed without hesitation, and embraced without judgment. In a world often divided by smallness, she chose kindness and compassion—yet she never tolerated rudeness or intolerance. Her love was gentle, but never weak.
For 35 years in SunBird, Joan was a vibrant presence. She volunteered with Neighbors Who Care and the SunBird Kare Bears. She treasured her neighbors, including Pat and Judy Donnelly, Dan and Jean Reedy, Kelly and Kay Davis, Rick and Lish Begger, and Joan Steinke, with special gratitude to George and Kathy Adams for their years of care and kindness.
Joan had a youthful spirit and a dancer’s heart. Ballroom dancing was her great joy, and with her longtime partner, Gary Kanowsky, she danced countless Cha Chas filled with joy.
In her later years, Joan was lovingly supported by her caregiver, Louise Dodson, and longtime caregiver and friend, Sophia Hagg, whom Joan affectionately adopted as a third daughter. Her daughter Antoinette de Wolff managed her care with deep devotion with help from Joan’s dear friends, Pam Montgomery, Pam Hahn, and Jocelyn Faria. Antoinette was blessed to spend a week of celebration for her mom’s 96th birthday.
Joan’s life was defined by quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering love. Her legacy endures in every heart she touched.
May she rest in God’s eternal peace, reunited with her beloved Tom, and forever dancing!