Patricia M. Wald

Patricia M (Krantz) Wald, a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, cousin and friend, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 10, 2025 at the age of 87.

Patricia passed away at home, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family after a recurring battle with cancer.

Patricia enjoyed a full wonderful life. She was raised in Bay City, MI, and graduated from TL Handy High School. Patricia attended Mercy Central school of nursing and became a Licensed Practical nurse where she lovingly cared for many sick and injured people over a lifetime of service. She was a private duty nurse to brain injury patients and helped many struggling people over the years with her training as a guidance counselor.

Patricia was married twice in her lifetime. Her first marriage to William Wald Sr. and second to Alan Swinehart, both who passed away before her. From those unions she had 5 children who all loved her dearly.

Patricia is survived by one daughter Susan (James) Kelley, and two sons Jeffrey Wald and Eric (Jessie) Swinehart. She is preceded in death by daughter Michele (John) Parisson and son William Wald Jr.

Patricia is survived by her grandchildren Michael (Michelle) Hill, Dawn (David) Kelley Slifer, Angela Hill, Monica (Douglas)Wald Coleman and Brittany Wald. Her great grandchildren include Braxton Hill, Lorna Kelley-Slifer, Clinton and Neveah Johnson, Santanna and Chase Escamilla, Francesca, Augustina, and Nyianna Escamilla.

Patricia was one of nine children born in Bay City, MI, to Monica and Harry Krantz. She is survived by sisters Marilyn Robinson, Betty Jones and Gerilyn (Duaine) Vogel, and one brother; Ken Krantz. She is also survived by one sister-in-law Margaret Krantz. She was preceded in death by one sister; Kathleen (Gilbert) Hall, three brothers; Joseph (Karen), Richard (Bernadette), James Krantz, and by brothers in law Gene Robinson, Alan Jones and sister-in-law Janice Krantz.

Education was very important to Patricia and she went back to college and earned degrees from Delta College, Saginaw Valley College and Central Michigan University where she earned her highest level of training with a Master’s degree of arts. She had many other training achievements and received her National Board of certified counseling award. She successfully completed an intensive training session for housing the elderly and enjoyed working with her elderly patients at Pine Towers for many years. After the program closed at Pine Towers, Patricia opened her own guidance and counseling service at the academy building on Lincoln Street. She took care of many people over the years and was a loving caregiver for her beloved son William until his passing in 2023.

Patricia had a deep faith and was a devout Catholic who lived a life of grace and kindness. She prayed her rosary daily and lifted those she loved in prayer on a regular basis. She knew that she would see her family in heaven soon and was comforted in the knowing.

She enjoyed many years of wonderful adventures with her son William through travels which included 30 cruises, trips to Atlantic City, New York and finally a much longed for trip overseas. Patricia at 80 years old climbed to the top of the Arc du triumph, saw the Crown Jewels in England and visited the Eiffel Tower… a lifelong dream. She lit candles in many beautiful churches, took in all the best shows and enjoyed an abundant life with her best traveling partner… her son William.

Patricia was a sweet soul with a wonderful sense of humor. She loved a bargain and was always glad to share her treasured finds with anyone who needed it. She enjoyed participating in many 5k races with her sister Gerry and had an abundance of medals on display to celebrate their achievements. She fed a variety of birds and wildlife every day and had a fast smile and instant connection to anyone she met. She will be truly missed and never forgotten by those who knew and loved her.

At the request of Patricia, cremation has taken place, and no services are being planned at the Gephart Funeral Home. Her family will hold a private memorial at a later date.

If you would like to make a donation in her memory, her favorite cause was St Jude's Children's Cancer Center.