BESSEMER, Mich. — Patricia Hendrickson, 84 years young, of Bessemer, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.
Patricia was born on March 11, 1941, in Norway, Michigan. She later moved with her parents to reside in Bessemer, and called Bessemer "home" for the remainder of her life.
At a young age, she married Emery Tarnaski. They had two children, Robert and Joann. On Nov. 18, 1972, she married William Hendrickson, and together they raised a son, Bradley (Amber) Hendrickson; and stepchildren, Robert (Hope) Tarnaski and Joann (James) Niemela Balduc (Ed). Her daughter preceded her in death.
Patsy proudly celebrated the arrival of her grandchildren and shared the joy of their lives. They are Robert Tarnaski; and great-grandsons, Cale and Carver (parents Robert and Hope Tarnaski), Alexander and Kaedyn Hendrickson (parents Amber and Brad Hendrickson), and Cory and Amy Jo Niemela (parents James and Joann Niemela Balduc).
Preceding Pat in death and greeting her at Saturday's family reunion, in addition to her daughter, Joann, were her mother, Doris Valerio Mortier (Guido Valerio) (Ralph Mortier); and brothers, Billy and David Valerio.
Patsy is survived by her beloved sister, Marlene (Dale) Roberts, with whom she shared many laughs and a lifelong close friendship; brother, Leonard (Donna) Mortier; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family has chosen to celebrate Patsy's life with a graveside memorial at Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer, on Friday, Aug. 15, at 11 a.m. Following will be a celebration of her life for her immediate family and friends hosted by her youngest son and his wife at their home in Bessemer, where the family will honor Patsy once again around the table with shared stories of her legacy and the recipes made with love throughout her life.
Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.