Patricia Jo Renne's Obituary
Patricia Jo (Foster) Renne age 64 of Blanchard went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on
Saturday, September 7, 2024 following a courageous battle against Pancreatic Cancer surrounded by her loving family while under hospice care.
Patty was born October 20, 1959 in Edmore MI, the final piece to the family of Rex and Lenore Foster, joining her brothers Steven and Bill and her sister Cathy. As she herself said, the spoiled "golden child."
She was a busy young girl loving dolls, involved in Girl Scouts until adulthood, piano lessons, collecting pink glassware, putting puzzles together, crafts and sewing. As she grew up it was evident her love for music and of course, after retirement, quilting.
After graduating from Montabella High School with the class of 1977 she continued her education at Ferris then completed her bachelor’s degree in education at Central Michigan University. Teaching took her to Del Rio Texas and Palo Michigan before she returned to her home base Montabella. While at Montabella she continued her education earning her master’s degree from Michigan State University in 1992. Her 32 years of teaching was a proud accomplishment.
While at Montabella her life changed. First colleagues, then friends and lastly family when she married Ivan Renne on June 28, 1997. There was no prouder mother than Patty, raising her loving sons, Biologist Weston David, Chemist Mason Donald and Lance Corporal Camron Rex, USMC, with the love of her life Ivan. She was so very proud of her sons and their accomplishments too.
Her love of music led her to join the Music Ministry at St. Michael Catholic Church in Remus, cantering for masses, raising her beautiful voice for weddings and funerals. She even worked in the parish office for a short time to continue her service to her church.
In 1997 she was introduced to the Sweet Adelines and instantly fell in love with 4 part women's harmony leading her to join the Heart of Michigan chorus. After taking a short break as her family grew and grew up, she rejoined in 2018 and shared her talents both in chorus and quartet singing.
Her parents instilled the importance of Community service leading her to serve on the Rolland Township Election board, the sesquicentennial committee, countless school functions both when the boys were in school and after they graduated and volunteering for any hometown activities when called upon. She was an active member of the Blanchard American Legion Auxiliary for 46 years
Patty is survived by her loving husband of 27 years Ivan, her sons, Weston, Mason and Camron. Brother Steven (Pam) Foster, Sister-in-law Marcia Foster and her sister Cathy Foster. Her Renne family, Karen Bybee, Lynn Renne and Steve Renne. Nieces Katie Ludwig, Eylie Foster and Phoebe & Jordan Bailey.
Nephews Andy & Nikki Foster, Calvin & Missy Foster, Howard & Mimi Foster, Shawn Renne, Chris & Nicole Renne and many special and much-loved Great Nieces and Nephews.
Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Lenore Foster, her brother Bill and her in-laws David and Betty Renne.
A funeral service will take place Wednesday, September 11th at 11AM at St. Michael Catholic Church in Remus with Father Tom Boufford officiating. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 10th from 6PM-7PM at Janowicz Family Funeral Home is Remus. Visitation will also take place an hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Patty's name may be made to the Blanchard American Legion Auxiliary, the Heart of Michigan Sweet Adelines or the charity of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the church.
What’s your fondest memory of Patricia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patricia?
Share a story where Patricia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patricia you’ll never forget.
How did Patricia make you smile?