Florencia Patton Whitwam

Florencia “Flo” Patton Whitwam, age 60, passed away after a long illness on Friday, March 18, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. Visitation will be held in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. in Monroe, 734-241-4600, on Tuesday from 3-8 PM and on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 from 2:00 PM until funeral services celebrating Flo’s life at 4:00 PM. The Rev. Ted Kerr of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Ida, MI will officiate. Flo was employed by Key Bank Corp working most of her 22 years at the North Telegraph Branch. She took a medical retirement on December 1, 2010. Prior to Key Bank Flo was employed by Elder Beerman and Kline’s. Flo is survived by her loving husband David, a cherished daughter and son in law Judy and Andy McCain of Petersburg, MI and a treasured and adored granddaughter Madison C. McCain, who brought Flo so much pride and joy. Flo so dearly loved caring for her. An incredibly generous lady, Flo was beautiful in looks and personality and she touched so many people’s hearts with her exotic and unselfish ways. Even in death she gave of herself by donating to the Gift of Life. Flo was the loving wife of Dave since their marriage on September 27, 2003. Dave called Florencia his queen and they enjoyed and shared so much together. She hunted and fished with him and he shopped and went to the casinos with her. They enjoyed their cabin near Lewiston, MI and had many favorite restaurants. They also enjoyed traveling and went on a memorable Caribbean Cruise. Dave tells everyone she was a dream come true. He wrote many songs and poems about her. He feels they have lived a beautiful love story. Florencia was born April 29, 1950 in Lapu Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines to Marina and Primo Patalinghug. She graduated from St. Joseph High School and the University of Visayas Cebu. She moved to the USA in 1975 after marrying her first husband Eldon “Shorty” Patton of Ida, Sadly he preceded her in death as did her father Primo in December of 1999. Flo is also survived by her beloved mother Marina, 4 sisters; Alice, Lolita, Melin and Cecelia, a brother Henry, and many nephews, nieces and cousins all of whom reside in the Lapu, Lapu, Pusok area. In 2009 Florencia, David, Judy, Andy and Madison traveled to Lapu Lapu to enjoy family and her beautiful homeland. Memorial contributions are suggested to The Monroe Cancer Connection, 718 N. Macomb Street Gardens - Building B, apt #312 Monroe, MI 48162