Patricia Ann Hojnacki (nee Kolodziej)'s Obituary
Patricia Ann Hojnacki (nee Kolodziej), age 82 years old of Clay Township, Michigan.
June 29, 1943 - August 31, 2025
Patricia Ann Hojnacki, beloved wife of Thomas Hojnacki, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025 from cancer after a lengthy but hard-fought battle. She will be missed by her family and friends.
She was born on June 29, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan to Anthony and Mary Kolodziej (nee Michalik). Patricia grew up in Dearborn, Michigan where she spent her childhood rescuing stray animals, socializing and playing sports with her friends, and spending time with her aunts, uncles, and cousins.
In 1963, she married Thomas Hojnacki and together they raised three daughters. After retiring from AAA Michigan, Pat and Tom moved to their dream home on the water where they enjoyed boating, fishing, gardening, and enjoying life. She also enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren, spending time with her friends, and playing bingo.
Patricia was a big advocate for animals and had many furry family members through the years. She was a huge supporter and dedicated volunteer at the Blue Water Humane Society for many years. She helped wherever she could; cleaning cages, cuddling kittens and puppies, walking dogs, preparing paperwork, and working with potential adopters were just some of the things she did in her time there. There was not an animal that she couldn’t win over. Animals loved and trusted her. Patricia met some good people during this time, and she cherished their friendship.
Patricia is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Thomas Hojnacki; her children, Christine Wisswell (Ronald), Barbara Shaddock (Mark), and Sally Hojnacki; her grandchildren, Amber Hojnacki, Stephanie Shaddock, and Alaina Wisswell; her grandson-in-law, Charles Rini; her nephew Timmy Peters; her nieces Rachel Vincler and Ruth Nalichowski; her sister-in-law Judy Hojnacki; her brother-in-law Tim Peters, many cousins and friends; and her beloved canine companion Maggie who was able to visit her in the hospital before she passed.
Patricial Hojnacki was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Mary Kolodziej; her sister, Susan Peters (nee Kolodziej); her brother-in-law, Kenneth Hojnacki, her father and mother-in-law, Henry and Helen Hojnacki; and her cousin, Helen Kowalski.
Funeral mass will be on Friday, September 5th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Algonac. Visiting hours will be Thursday, September 4th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. as well as from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to mass on Friday. A scripture service will be recited Thursday at 7:00 p.m. followed by family sharing. Interment at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Algonac. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made In Patricia’s name to Blue Water Humane Society, 6266 Lapeer Road, Clyde, MI 48049, (810) 987-4357.
The family would like to thank all the wonderful nurses, nurse’s assistants and other employees at Corwell Health Troy Beaumont Hospital Hospice Services for providing around-the-clock care to make Patricia’s passing painless and peaceful. To leave a message of comfort visit www.younggilbertfuneralhome.com
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?