Patricia Ann Parry, August 17, 1936 - August 16, 2026.
Patricia Ann (Munn) Parry passed away peacefully Sunday evening, August 16, 2026, at Franciscan Health Michigan City Hospital.
‘Pat’ was born August 17, 1936, in Harbor Springs, Michigan, to Chester and Rhoda (Bonter) Munn. In a profound and enduring tragedy, Pat lost her mother just five days following her birth due to childbirth complications. She was subsequently raised initially by her dear grandparents, Louie and Addie Bonter, who remained steadfast influences in her life, before being relocated to Chesterton, Indiana, with her two-year older sister, Evelyn June, (who eventually preceded her in death) to live with her father, Aunt Mary Merretta and Uncle Gerald (‘Pinky’) Brooks.
Pat married David Miller (‘Dave’) Parry of Chesterton, Indiana, in 1955, a deeply loyal commitment that extended fifty-five years until Dave’s passing in 2011. Their inspiring partnership produced five children, seven grandchildren and (to date) eight great-grandchildren, all of whom survive as their legacies.
Over her (just six hours shy of) ninety years, Pat bridged a wide range of experiences. Beyond her foundational commitment as a homemaker, she served in administrative assistant roles within finance and human resources departments in both Chicago and Michigan City. Additionally, she managed the public swimming program at Michigan City Rogers High School.
Reflective of her commitment to education, Pat stepped well out of her comfort zone to run for election for one of three open seats on the Michigan City School Board. Supported by numerous teachers and students, she was elected with the highest vote total among all candidates, subsequently selected to serve as President of the Board two years later.
Within their unique partnership, Pat played pivotal roles supporting (often quietly driving) husband Dave’s prolific career, managing the administrative responsibilities of The Big Ten Conference football officiating staff as well as the NCAA football officiating staff’s first-ever National Coordinator’s office.
Always seeking to lift those less fortunate, without the need for personal public recognition, Pat sustained an impressive commitment to philanthropy. She generously supported numerous causes, including the search for gains against Alzheimer’s, cancer, kidney disease and Down syndrome (specifically to Victory Gallup, a therapeutic and recreational horseback riding program in Akron, Ohio, supporting often overlooked and underserved children with physical and emotional needs). Locally, she donated dog and cat food to the Humane Society and supported the annual Christmas campaigns for children’s clothing and toys through The First United Methodist Church.
Pat was an advocate of first responders. The Hoosier Burn Camp for youth and Michigan City Fire Department could count on her support, as did the Michigan City Police Department, where she covered the initial cost of procuring the celebrated explosive-detection police dog, K-9 Apollo.
Best reflective of how Pat sought to make positive impacts beyond financial donations, she leveraged her sewing, quilting and knitting talents to craft blankets and hats for the newborn babies of mothers in need through the Women’s Care Center.
Pat’s life will stand as a testament to achieving many triumphs over initial tragedy. She set an example of steadfast resilience and the potential to recover from setbacks within and far beyond her family. (Those who saw her on the tennis court, well into her late eighties, knew she was always a force to be reckoned with.)
Always organized and prepared, within her detailed instructions left for the family, Pat requested no services be held. She suggested memorial contributions could be made to the charities of choice of donors, reminding us that sustained, supporting actions to those most in need can often have even greater impact than fleeting financial donations.
The family extends immense gratitude to Dr. Huma T. Mulk and her team of committed and compassionate caregivers at Franciscan Health for their support of Pat during her final days. Immense appreciation is also extended to the amazing team at The Elms at Michigan City senior living facility, which rallied to ensure mom’s final nine months of life were filled with activities, creativity and sociability.
Under the professional and empathetic guidance of director Patrick Reynolds, Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, managed final
arrangements.
