Patricia Agnes D'Arca

Patricia Agnes D'Arca, a resident of Royal Oak, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the age of 90. A daughter of Sylvester and Katherine Pelczynski, she was born on February 18, 1935 in Toledo, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Gaeton D’Arca, sisters Louise Duquette, and Alice Nitsch. She is survived by her children Michael (Evelyn) D’Arca, Cynthia Hurley, Paula (Butch) Stubleski, Tony (Mary) D’Arca, Steve (Dona) D’Arca, Nanette (Russ) Cecil, and Carla D’Arca. Grand children Eric (Jenna) D’Arca, Stefanie (Dustin) Brown, Andrew (Nicole) D’Arca, Brandon (Ellen) D’Arca, Tony (Emily) Cecil, Kate (Aaron) Stepanski, Stephen and Jaclyn D’Arca, Makayla Miller, Julia and Tony D’Arca. Great grandchildren Madison and Alaina D’Arca, Lewie Brown, and Charlie Cecil. Today, we gather not just to say goodbye, but to celebrate the beautiful life of our beloved mom, grandma, great grandma and friend—Patsy, or as so many lovingly called her, Mrs. D. If you ever visited her home, you knew it was never just a house—it was a haven. Mom’s door was always open, and her kitchen was always busy. She had a way of making everyone feel like family, whether you were a lifelong friend or a new face at the table. There was always room for one more, and always enough food to go around—because cooking was her way of showing love. Her recipes were legendary, but it was the warmth and laughter she served alongside every meal that made them unforgettable. Mom loved to garden, and I think it was because she saw the world the way a gardener does—with patience, hope, and a belief in the beauty of small things. She could coax life from the soil, turning seeds into flowers and trees, and she brought that same nurturing spirit to everyone she met. Whether she was knitting a blanket, tending her flowers, or reading a good book, she found joy in simple pleasures. And, of course, she had her own special way of enjoying life’s little treats. Anyone who knew Mom knew she loved a cold beer—with ice cubes, just the way she liked it. It was one of those small, endearing quirks that made her so uniquely herself, and it always brought a smile to those around her. But don’t let her gentle spirit fool you—Mom also loved a little adventure. A trip to the casino was her idea of a good time, and she approached it with the same enthusiasm she brought to everything else. She loved parties, laughter, and being surrounded by people. She truly never met a stranger. Her faith was the quiet foundation of her life. She gave her time and heart to her church, volunteering whenever she could, always looking for ways to help others. She received the Presidents Volunteer award for the amount of time she volunteered. Her kindness was steady and genuine, and she taught us—by example—what it means to serve with love. Most of all, Mom loved her family fiercely. She celebrated our victories, comforted us in hard times, and cheered us on every step of the way. Her love was the kind you could count on—unwavering, unconditional, and strong. As we remember Mom today, let’s hold onto the lessons she taught us: to open our doors, to share what we have, to find joy in the everyday, and to love each other fiercely. Her spirit lives on in every meal we share, every flower we plant, every act of kindness we offer, and maybe even in a cold beer with ice cubes, raised in her honor. Friends and family will gather on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 9:30 am until time of Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 28353 Herbert Street, Madison Heights, MI 48071. Patricia will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. Donations in Patricia's memory may be made to the Blood Cancer United (formerly Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087, www.bloodcancerunited.org, or to the Sisters of the Monastery of the Visitation, 1745 Parkside Blvd., Toledo, OH 43607. Please share a memory at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com

Patricia Agnes D'Arca

February 18, 1935 - September 26, 2025