Patricia R. (Penick) Mellin, 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 18th at Elkhart General Hospital. Pat was born on June 11, 1928 in Ashley, Indiana to Edwin and Dorothy (Robinett) Penick. When Pat was young, her family moved to Walkerton, Indiana, directly across the street from Pat’s classmate and future husband, Dave Mellin. Soon after they were graduated from Walkerton High School in 1946, Pat and Dave chose separate paths—Pat to study education at Indiana University, and Dave to serve in the military—but both soon returned to their hometown, and to one another. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1949. Pat, who completed her BA in Education at Bethel College, taught at Walkerton Elementary School. Pat and Dave moved to Plymouth, Indiana in 1968, where both continued with their teaching and business careers. Pat loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her four children: son D. Thomas (Shari) Mellin of Elkhart, IN, grandson Matthew (Jeanne) Mellin of Levallois-Perret, France, and great-granddaughter Juliet Mellin; son Lawrence (Debbie) Mellin of Plymouth, IN and grandson Erik Mellin of LaPorte, IN; son Robert (Maureen Roeger) Mellin of Valparaiso, IN and granddaughters Eleanor and Emily; daughter Susan (Mark) Coney of South Bend, IN. Pat also loved her new step-family: grandsons Michael Coney of Lugoff, SC and Jeffrey (Nikki) Coney of White Pigeon, MI; great-grandchildren Dylan, Tyler, and Kaylyn Coney. In addition, Pat’s nieces and nephews looked up to her as a family matriarch, since their Aunt Pat was the last of her generation from both sides of the family.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents Edwin and Dorothy Penick, her sisters Kathleen (Kay) Walz Webb and Sarah (Sally) Wilcox, and her husband of fifty-seven years, David Martin Mellin.
Pat loved to read and was a member of several book clubs, enjoyed thoughtful conversations with her family and friends, and devoted herself to her beliefs, maintaining an active membership initially in the United Methodist Church of Walkerton and, for the last forty-four years of her life, in the First United Methodist Church of Plymouth. She also gave herself to many causes in her community. Pat enjoyed participating in social organizations such as Eastern Star (past matron), Tri-Kappa, and bridge club, but she also enjoyed moments of solitude: she loved to sit on her deck, reading novels and listening to birds, and she found joy in her daily walks in the neighborhood. Travel was also an important part of Pat’s life; she traveled throughout the United States and parts of Canada and Europe, enjoyed several cruises, and spent parts of many winters in Florida, but perhaps the highlight of her travels may have been her trip to France in 2005, where she attended the wedding of her grandson Matt and visited Paris, the D-Day beaches in Normandy, and Monet’s gardens in Giverny. Pat Mellin will be remembered as an intellectually curious, deeply compassionate, quietly selfless wife, mother, teacher, and friend who lived a just, dignified life. While she will be missed, her being will endure with those who had the privilege of Pat’s kind friendship.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, June 21st from 4 – 7 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth where an Eastern Star Memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m.
A celebration of Pat’s remarkable life, officiated by Rev. Larry Marhanka, will be held on Friday, June 22 at 11 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church, 400 North Michigan Street in Plymouth, IN. with visitation one hour prior to the service in the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you perform random acts of kindness in Pat’s memory. Those who wish to make a donation may do so to the First United Methodist Church, Plymouth.
jeanie andrews martin says
Please know that you are all in my prayers! I loved Pat and Dave and they are together again, as it should be! I only knew them from the country club where I worked. But they were always amazingly kind and so loved each other and it showed! They were both sweet people and you were all so lucky to have had them for so long in your life! Cherish the memories!
Gods speed Pat!
Roy Johnson says
The Mellins were like a second family to me growing up in Walkerton, and Pat was like a second mother. What a wonderful woman she was. She helped me overcome my fear of my mother-in-law. Well maybe. She will be truly missed.
Shirley A. Gidley says
Having known Pat all of the 44 years that she lived in Plymouth, I can say that she did not have a mean bone in her body. She was a kind and forgiving soul. She certainly loved her entire family and she was a woman who buried all of her worries and concerns.
Her pride was her family and all of the grandchildren. You could see the love and joy upon her face when she spoke of them.
I know that she now has joy in knowing that she has done a good job in leaving a legacy for all to follow.
My sympathy to all of you.
John Stasko says
Dear Tom and Family,
I am very sorry to hear of your mother\’s passing. Although I hadn\’t seen her in several years, I have fond memories of her when we were kids, just hanging around your house and doing what boys do. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
John Stasko
Jennifer Oliver Houin says
The Oliver Ford Family wants to express our deepest sympathy to Larry and the entire family on the passing of their wonderful Mother. Our prayers and thoughts are will all of you at this time!!
Carol Stull Foster says
Tom & family,
Sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother.
Chris Emerick says
I was so sorry to read of Pat\’s death. She was truely a special Lady. I had the privelegde of knowing Pat thru Dorothy\’s Hallmark. Pat was always asking how my family was doing she truely cared.
One of our last conservations was about how we didn\’t know how people got along without faith in GOD and our families. We also talked about your dad and how he cared for the plants at K-mart.
When I think of Pat a will think of her lovely smile and caring ways. She will be missed by many and I\’m so glad to have known her and to call her friend.
You\’ll be in my thought and Prayers and I do plan on doing a Random act of kindess in Pat\’s memory.
Chris Emerick Dorothy\’s Hallmark
Jayne Jacobson says
I first met your mother in a knitting class at the senior center not too many years ago. She was so easy to get to know and I soon felt like I had known her for years. She was so kind and caring and very proud of her family. I wish I would have known her better.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know it is very hard to say good-by to someone who has been such an important part of your life for so long. Cherish your memories.
Cindy Martin says
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Pat. She seemed so vibrant when I saw her recently.
While I have a lot of memories, my favorite was when Pat sat with Jo Hershberger when Jo did a book signing in downtown Plymouth. My Mother, Wilma Martin, wanted to attend and we went to the signing. They were delighted to see my Mother.
Pat was so kind, gracious, appreciative of everything, and generous. Her geniune inquiry about others was very appreciated.
May the family find peace in the many memories others have of Pat.
Melodie Overmyer says
So very sorry for your loss. Pat was a very special person whom I met when Dave was at Pilgrim Manor. Have thought of her often and seen her about town on occasion. Her upbeat spirit will be sorely missed.
The Beville Family says
Our prayers are with the entire Mellin Family. Pat was a wonderful lady who never met a stranger and was very welcoming. She will be missed by all that knew her. Peace be with the family.
V Richard & Jane Miller says
Very sorry to hear of Pat\’s passing, Please send our condolances to the family and we will add them to our thoughts and prayers. She and Dave were great friends and we pleasent to be around
Kathleen Hunt-Smith says
I just received word of your mother\’s passing and was flooded with memories of sleepovers, and car pools to football and basketball games. Sue, your mom was such a lovely, kind, and gracious lady. I know she is at peace and will be missed by all. May God bless you and your family during your time
of grief.
Sincerely,
Kathy Hunt-Smith and family
jeanie andrews martin says
Please know that you are all in my prayers! I loved Pat and Dave and they are together again, as it should be! I only knew them from the country club where I worked. But they were always amazingly kind and so loved each other and it showed! They were both sweet people and you were all so lucky to have had them for so long in your life! Cherish the memories!
Gods speed Pat!
Roy Johnson says
The Mellins were like a second family to me growing up in Walkerton, and Pat was like a second mother. What a wonderful woman she was. She helped me overcome my fear of my mother-in-law. Well maybe. She will be truly missed.
Shirley A. Gidley says
Having known Pat all of the 44 years that she lived in Plymouth, I can say that she did not have a mean bone in her body. She was a kind and forgiving soul. She certainly loved her entire family and she was a woman who buried all of her worries and concerns.
Her pride was her family and all of the grandchildren. You could see the love and joy upon her face when she spoke of them.
I know that she now has joy in knowing that she has done a good job in leaving a legacy for all to follow.
My sympathy to all of you.
John Stasko says
Dear Tom and Family,
I am very sorry to hear of your mother\’s passing. Although I hadn\’t seen her in several years, I have fond memories of her when we were kids, just hanging around your house and doing what boys do. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
John Stasko
Jennifer Oliver Houin says
The Oliver Ford Family wants to express our deepest sympathy to Larry and the entire family on the passing of their wonderful Mother. Our prayers and thoughts are will all of you at this time!!
Carol Stull Foster says
Tom & family,
Sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother.
Chris Emerick says
I was so sorry to read of Pat\’s death. She was truely a special Lady. I had the privelegde of knowing Pat thru Dorothy\’s Hallmark. Pat was always asking how my family was doing she truely cared.
One of our last conservations was about how we didn\’t know how people got along without faith in GOD and our families. We also talked about your dad and how he cared for the plants at K-mart.
When I think of Pat a will think of her lovely smile and caring ways. She will be missed by many and I\’m so glad to have known her and to call her friend.
You\’ll be in my thought and Prayers and I do plan on doing a Random act of kindess in Pat\’s memory.
Chris Emerick Dorothy\’s Hallmark
Jayne Jacobson says
I first met your mother in a knitting class at the senior center not too many years ago. She was so easy to get to know and I soon felt like I had known her for years. She was so kind and caring and very proud of her family. I wish I would have known her better.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know it is very hard to say good-by to someone who has been such an important part of your life for so long. Cherish your memories.
Cindy Martin says
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Pat. She seemed so vibrant when I saw her recently.
While I have a lot of memories, my favorite was when Pat sat with Jo Hershberger when Jo did a book signing in downtown Plymouth. My Mother, Wilma Martin, wanted to attend and we went to the signing. They were delighted to see my Mother.
Pat was so kind, gracious, appreciative of everything, and generous. Her geniune inquiry about others was very appreciated.
May the family find peace in the many memories others have of Pat.
Melodie Overmyer says
So very sorry for your loss. Pat was a very special person whom I met when Dave was at Pilgrim Manor. Have thought of her often and seen her about town on occasion. Her upbeat spirit will be sorely missed.
The Beville Family says
Our prayers are with the entire Mellin Family. Pat was a wonderful lady who never met a stranger and was very welcoming. She will be missed by all that knew her. Peace be with the family.
V Richard & Jane Miller says
Very sorry to hear of Pat\’s passing, Please send our condolances to the family and we will add them to our thoughts and prayers. She and Dave were great friends and we pleasent to be around
Kathleen Hunt-Smith says
I just received word of your mother\’s passing and was flooded with memories of sleepovers, and car pools to football and basketball games. Sue, your mom was such a lovely, kind, and gracious lady. I know she is at peace and will be missed by all. May God bless you and your family during your time
of grief.
Sincerely,
Kathy Hunt-Smith and family