Pat Kinnell

Pat Kinnell was born on September 26, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, the only child of William and Rose (Tommeny) Quinn. She passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, in Riverview, Michigan. Although her given name was Amy Patricia, she was always Pat to all her friends and family. She was a loving and devoted homemaker, whose life was filled with love, laughter, and a deep commitment to her faith, her family, and her Irish heritage.

Pat was a proud 1948 graduate of Dearborn Fordson High School. As a young adult, she worked downtown Detroit and socialized with friends in the Catholic Youth group. She traveled with friends and traveled to Ireland, to visit her Grandmother at age 19. She met her future husband, Robert Kinnell, in May of 1954, at his surprise birthday party. They were engaged in August 1954, and married on May 7, 1955 at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church in Allen Park. They bought a new house in Trenton, and together they created a warm and nurturing home filled with 4 children and many cherished memories. Amy's passion for adventure took her and her husband traveling, enjoying the beauty of nature during countless camping trips and cruises. They relished family and friends and the simple pleasures of life. Sadly, he preceded her in death on June 10, 2002.

As a founding member of St. Timothy Catholic Church, Pat devoted herself to her faith and her Maidstone community, forging lasting friendships and strengthening bonds that would last a lifetime. In 2021, Pat started a new adventure when she moved into Atria Kinghaven Senior Living community. She met so many new friends as she engaged in this new chapter of independent living. 

Her kindness and generosity were evident to all who knew her, as she was always ready to extend a helping hand or offer a comforting word. Her thoughtfulness and politeness lasted until her death, as she always thanked her nurses and caregivers. Special thanks to everyone at Kinghaven, who made her final years comfortable and enjoyable. 

Pat's legacy lives on through her beloved children: Rita (Scott Butler) Kinnell, Denise (Ron) Stec, Richard (Susan Smith) Kinnell and Dennis (Karen Ames) Kinnell. She also provided love, guidance, and support to her former daughter-in-law, Kelley Kinnell. The joy of her life was multiplied by the presence of her grandchildren—Kelly, Andy, Kadra, Eric, Kyle, Bryan, Jennifer, Dennis, Ryan, Deanna, and John—and her precious great-grandchildren: Brayden, Camden, Dylan, Sienna, Lucia, Gabriel, Eileen, Jackson, Kennedy, Keiden, Kyleigh, Nathan, Lyla, Gavin, Ty, Caroline and Cecelia. Each one held a special place in her heart, and she took immense joy in their accomplishments and happiness.

Pat will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to live on in the lives she touched and the love she shared. Pat’s unwavering spirit of love, devotion to family, and dedication to her community will never be forgotten, and her memory will forever shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. All those who knew her will always remember her two favorite sayings “What’s new and exciting?” and “Thanks, don’t work too hard”

Funeral services for Pat will include visitation on Wednesday, September 3rd from 3-8pm at Martenson West. A Rosary service will take place at 6. Visitation will also take place from 10:00 to 10:30am on Thursday at Our Lady of the Woods, Woodhaven followed by the Mass of the Resurrection beginning at 10:30am. Burial will follow immediately at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery.

“May the road rise to meet you ….and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Open Arms Food Pantry at Southpoint Church in Trenton or a charity of your choice.