Sybil Pate

Sybil Pate was a remarkable woman, who lived a remarkable life, a life full of challenge, trials and tribulations, but also so many rewarding triumphs. She was a lovely lady, loved by all who knew her, for her amazing strength and fun-loving demeanor. Sybil was a devoted wife, and a proud and loving mother, and a woman who so richly deserved all of life's successes. Sybil's story began on a warm summer day in 1924, in the bustling city of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Those were exciting times in Canada, which mirrored the United States' success in so many ways. Like America, Canada was in a period of Prohibition in 1924, and Windsor had become the automotive capital of the country, just as its sister city just across the Detroit River had in the U.S. On July 9, 1924, Samuel and Jessie (Mortimer) Moss had more reason to celebrate than a strong Windsor economy, however. The couple also celebrated the birth of their third of five children, a beautiful baby girl they named Sybil. Sybil's parents were both from England, and her father had proudly served the British Army in World War I, where he created the very first British Army helmet as a tool & die maker. Her mother was a homemaker, and the couple moved to Canada before Sybil was born. Sybil joined her two brothers and two sisters in the Moss home in Windsor, which was filled with the sounds of laughter and horseplay that accompanies typical sibling rivalries. The family dealt with tragedy when Sybil was just a young girl, however, when their home sadly burned down in the dead of winter one year. Suddenly homeless, the family moved back to England, to live near relatives, with plans on returning to Windsor when they got back on their feet. But the outbreak of World War II prevented their return to Canada, and rather than flee, the family stayed and fought. Sybil, in fact, joined the Canadian Women's Army Corps, and served in England and Belgium. The Canadian Women's Army Corps was instituted in 1941, to help support the troops fighting in the trenches. Many of the roles the women served were clerical, yet by the war's end women were serving in many technical (yet non-combative) areas, as well. Sybil was proud to do her part, and to serve her country any way she could. When the war ended and Sybil's service was up, the family returned to Windsor, anxious to start fresh. Sybil found work as a receptionist in a doctor's office across the river in Detroit, with her commute made easier by the Ambassador Bridge, which had opened in 1929. Eventually, however, Sybil moved to Detroit, and her life soon changed so much for the better. One evening Sybil went to a friend's home to play pinochle, where she met a handsome young man named Malcolm Pate. The two really hit it off that night around the card table, and it quickly became love for both of them. Just seven months later, the happy couple was married, on August 4th, 1950, in Detroit, beginning a lifelong love affair. They were a very happy couple, and as newlyweds they continued to enjoy playing cards with their mutual friends. Soon, however, they would have a full house at home, too. In 1951, the wife and husband became mother and father, with the birth of their first child, a son they named Dennis. Their daughter Linda rounded out the happy family in 1955. In the early 1960s, Sybil proudly became a naturalized citizen of the United States, having finally met the requirements to do so. After spending more than two decades in Detroit, Sybil and her family packed up and moved across the state to Muskegon, Michigan, in November of 1970, where Malcolm's job had been relocated. West Michigan suited Sybil just fine, and she became very active in her new home. With her daughter Linda old enough to care for herself, Sybil took a job at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon, working in the data processing department. She enjoyed the job very much, and had many friends there. She and the girls from the hospital shared many fun lunches together, which Sybil remembered so fondly. She and her beloved husband also enjoyed fun outside of work, and loved to go square dancing with the Maycroft Square Tappers. In 1983, Sybil and Malcolm took a wonderful, three-week trip to Europe, to visit their son Dennis in the military, as well as the people and places she and Malcolm remembered from serving in the war (Malcolm being a U.S. Army vet). They visited France, Germany, and central Europe, among other places, and it was a truly memorable adventure for them. When Sybil and Malcolm retired, they also took a wonderful, fun-filled, 8-day cruise to Hawaii, which was so special for both of them. Most special to Sybil, of course, was her loving family, especially her two children. She was so proud of her children, who each went to college and became successful, with Dennis attending Eastern Michigan and later law school, and Linda graduating from Central Michigan. She and Linda were especially close, and loved to go shopping together. Sybil had other loves, such as listening to gospel and big band music, or playing cards, but her family was always closest to her heart. Sadly, Sybil suffered a cerebral hemorrhage at her home one evening, and never recovered. She died Thursday, October 05, 2006, at Mercy Hospital, where she once worked. Sybil was a remarkable woman, who led a remarkable life, a life full of love and family and friendship. She was strong, yet always a kind and caring woman, so deeply devoted and loyal to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed. Mrs. Sybil Pate, age 82, died Thursday, October 5, 2006. She was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada on July 9, 1924 to Samuel & Jessie (Mortimer) Moss. She is survived by her husband, Malcolm M., Jr.; son, Dennis Pate of San Diego, CA; daughter, Linda(Jon) Quinn of Muskegon; 4 grandchildren, Daniel Pate, Lesley Pate, Zack Quinn & Kohl Quinn. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Stanley & Eric and sisters, Carol & Jessie. Services will be held Monday, October 9, 2006 at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon with Rev. Ben Jansen officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. A visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon. Memorials may be given to Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.