Patricia Kenney Pinaire

Patricia Kenney Pinaire, 90, died peacefully on Oct. 12, 2016. Born in Ohio to Samuel R. and Florence M. Kenney, she married Robert K. Pinaire, aka "Pedro," in 1942. Their 53-year union lasted until Bob's death in 1995. The newlyweds moved from Ohio to Clare, Mich., where they lived their fullest years until moving to Bozeman in 1990. Pat had a sharp mind, quick wit and boundless generosity. She had a huge capacity for retaining information. She was our Google before there was Google, relied upon for answers sought at all hours of day or night. Her hospitable home was a haven for all ages and walks of life, and for dogs, specifically Golden Retrievers. While Bob pursued his passion for the outdoors, one friend remembers the Pinaire home as "Pat's Salon," where laughter, humor and good conversation abounded. Pat's taste was impeccable; she had a discerning eye. And her culinary skills produced enduring entrees. Pat volunteered actively in endeavors related to lifelong passions: reading and art. She loved all art media, and she read voraciously. When she first lived in Clare, she volunteered at the public library in the basement of Maxwell's Florists. She played a key role in growing the collections and then envisioning and facilitating construction of Garfield Memorial Library at its original location on North McEwan. Pat served on the library board for many years. Pat co-created the Upstairs Gallery on the library's second floor to showcase Michigan artists and artisans. In 1970s and 1980s, Pat was a reference librarian at Mid Michigan Community College, Harrison, where she also facilitated exhibitions with art museums, university art departments and individual artists. Pat is survived by two daughters, Tina Rundle (Steve) of Billings and Joanne Pinaire (Kevin) of Newport, Pa.; and two grandchildren, Toby P. Rundle, Missoula, and Claire P. Hortens, Pittsburgh, Pa. Oh, Pat, we're going to miss you.