Patricia Evelyn Vincent

Patricia Evelyn Vincent, 93, life-long Monroe resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, September 09, 2017.  Pat was born March 28, 1924 to Louis and Evelyn Jodry. After graduating from Monroe HS, Pat earned her Bachelor of Education degree at Miami University (Ohio). Pat began teaching in Monroe Public Schools, and continued her education at Wayne State University, University of Michigan, and Eastern Michigan University, earning a degree in Library Science from the University of Toledo. Pat became the first Librarian at Jefferson High School, the position she retired from after 38 years as an educator.  She married Russell (Buck) Vincent on June 15, 1946. They recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. Pat and Buck were avid travelers, and many summers they vacationed in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. They also enjoyed camping in Huron National Forest in Michigan, and after retiring, spending time at their winter home in Ft. Myers, Florida and touring Europe.  Pat worked tirelessly with many community and civic organizations, including service as Monroe County Historical Commissioner for the Monroe County Historical Museum. She was one of the earliest supporters of the historic Sawyer Homestead and was on the Monroe County Historical Society Board. Pat was also a long-time board member for Woodland Cemetery. Pat and Buck recognized the need for saving historic St. Antoine Cemetery (1780-1830) and served on the restoration committee. For 30 years, they worked on the restoration of St. Mary's Cemetery, which included locating the lost gravesite of Col. Francois Navarre, the first European settler in what is now Monroe. Pat and Buck were also long-time members of the Little Big Horn Association (Custer Battlefield).  On September 22, 2011, in a ceremony at St. Mary's Cemetery, Pat and Buck's efforts were officially recognized by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, Congressman John Dingle, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners, and Monroe Mayor Robert E. Clark, who proclaimed that day to be "Pat and Russell Vincent Day."  Pat was preceded in death by her parents, younger brother Louis Jodry, and niece Mary Jodry.  Pat is survived by her husband Buck Vincent, older brother Richard Jodry, and several nieces and nephews.  There will be a Memorial Service at the Sawyer House, 320 E. Front St., Monroe, MI on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Sawyer House or the Alzheimer's Association .