Sally Louise Patterson McCarthy left her forever home of Clark Lake, on Sunday, November 27, just days away from what would have been her 77th birthday on December 7th. She was the daughter of Vondell (Pat) and June Patterson. With her three sisters, Sue Cavalear, Judy Smith, and Peggy Patterson, she grew up in Toledo and graduated from DeVilbiss High School. She went on to complete her education at University of Toledo, Mercy School of Nursing, and University of Detroit Mercy School of Nursing.
Lighthouse Restaurant, Ocean Beach Road
While growing up Toledo was home during the school year. In the summer, it was all about Clark Lake for the Patterson girls. Their fond memories of fun on the lake included endless rides in their Sea Flea racer. The Patterson’s also had a powerful 18-foot Chris Craft Riviera. That led Sally into the water skiing world at Clark Lake. She was a member of the Pine Riders, and had the jacket to prove it. The Patterson dock was a gathering place for many friends as they caught the rays of the sun. Summers at the lake also meant work. Sally waitressed at the Lighthouse, Cambridge Junction and Elsie’s. Unlike her older sisters, Judy and Sue, Sally missed out working at the Eagle Point Hotel. But she certainly heard some of the stories. If you were missing beer or a watermelon from your spring, you might know whom to look for.
Sally married Toledo real estate developer Daniel McCarthy. They had two sons, Michael and Matthew. As the boys were growing up, Sally was active in The Junior League. Later, she took on a sales and marketing role with several hotels such as Sheraton Toledo, Holiday Inn Riverside, and the Radisson downtown. Perhaps it was the much earlier experience gained at MIS that prepared her for these later roles. When MIS first opened, Sally helped manage the MIS business office. In the mid 1990s, Sally earned her BSN nursing license. The next step in her career was something she truly loved for the challenges that it presented—caring for others as a nurse at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. That continued until she retired in 2015.
In 2000, Sally believed living full time at Clark Lake was in her future. She replaced the old cottage with a new structure. This became home, enjoying life there with her partner, Phil Schindler.
There will be a celebration of Sally’s life at the Eagle’s Nest at Clark Lake on Sunday, December 11th from 2 pm – 5 pm.
Those wishing to remember Sally may do so with a contribution in her name to the Clark Lake Spirit Foundation, PO Box 224, Clarklake, MI 49234 or via credit card on this website.
I’m shocked and saddened – a great gal. Condolences to all.
Sally RIP heaven awaits a happy hour with the Baker Family❤️
Condolences to Mike and family – your mom was one of a kind!
When thinking of Sally these past few days, each time that I do brings a smile 😊 to my face.
Smart as hell. A Peach 🍑 of a Gal !
Condolences to the family and her many friends.
She will be missed
Lakeview isn’t the same without Sal! She was a bright, lively light who always had something witty to say. She made the most of life and was always so much fun to be around! The lake will miss her so much!
Sally was truly a special person . She could make you laugh no matter where you were. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with her at st joes she will me missed by many. RIP sally😘
Sally was one of a kind! I am devastated. She was a dear friend to me, and everyone! She was a true Clarklake girl! Sally touched so many lives. Clarklake will not be the same without our Mustang Sally!! I love you Sally! I will miss you every day!
Sally was always up for a spur of the moment outing, Sally made life fun! Words cannot express my feelings. RIP my friend! 💔💔
On my many walks down Lakeview I would often stop to talk with Sally, especially later in the day when she sat on her back porch. We liked to talk about our days growing up in Toledo Sally had many abilities – as a mother, a community volunteer, a business woman and as a nurse. I imagine her patients loved her warm and welcoming smile. Joyce Shawaker
Sally was a wonderful person, and a wonderful nurse. I had the pleasure of working with Sally at St Joseph hospital for 15 years…. she truly will be missed ❤️
What to say ….. Her smile, Her zest for life and a good time, The meals she served, Her whit and sense of humor, Her love for friends and family, What a hole she leaves in the Eagle Point shore!
She loved nursing…her last good deed was to help me with infusions during a recent illness. Sally was one of a kind and a very special person. RIP!
Introduce those heavenly Yogis to the Yogatini !
Sally was the most caring, compassionate person I have ever know. She was born to be a nurse and the ultimate care-giver. She took care of our Mother, her sister, friends and recently a stray cat. Always a good listener and usually gave you the answer you were looking for. I am not sure I can live without her.
This is sad news, indeed. Sally was always a joy to be around. My most sincere condolences to her family, and to Phil.
Wow! What a life she lived! I didn’t know Sally very well, but when we did pass each other along the Eagle Point lakeshore, she was always smiling and friendly. My heart goes out to Mike, Kristen, Phil, and all those who are feeling this tremendous loss.
One only needed to meet Sally once to know she was a very charismatic personality. So very full of life, and fun ! Love her giggle , which she did often!
Sally was an original (OG) Clarklaker. She will be sorely missed. Eagle Point just won’t be the same. She always had a smile and a hug to give, and one would leave happier to have stopped to say hello. Cheers to Sal!
Condolences to Peggy and family
Sally was such a force that the empty space that was left in the fabric of Clark Lake, and in my heart, will be felt for a long, long time.
Sending condolences to Sally’s family, Phil & all of her many friends. She will certainly be missed by many. I will always remember our fun childhood memories.
Words cannot describe the emptiness I feel. Growing up with Sally leaves me with so many wonderful memories, adventures, happy times, etc.
We shared life’s ups and downs. Sally was so caring for her family and friends. Always there. She always had time to sit down and “visit”, listen,
And advise. “Funtime Sally” we will never forget you!
Love You! Kendy and Steve
Sally’s smile could light up a room and instantly make your day better. I treasure the memories of the times we had. She will be missed forever.
Sally was my fierce, brave, fun-loving dear friend. We had many pontoon rides and swims in the lake. Spent many evenings watching the sunset across from her porch. I will miss her greatly.
We will miss our sweet kind Sally 💔 May God bring comfort and peace to our dear friend Phil and her sons Matthew & Michael
Beyond sad from the loss of my dear friend Sally. You left us way too soon. There has to be great plans for you in heaven. I will cherish my memories of us sharing yoga-tinis 🍸for hours after yoga classes.
From my heart to yours, love you
Sally you are still one of my favorite people❤️
I will cherish all our fun memories together, like our vodka tasting party on the raft to our yoga and yogatinis🍸 with a little bit of workouts thrown in. No doubt you will be an angel smiling down on
us.
🍸cheers🍸 my friend…I will miss you
God bless Sally and her family. My lifelong best friend, Peggy, is proud to be the youngest sister to Sally, Sue and Judy. “Mother” Patterson shared her grace, charm and fun-loving spirit with Sally. Our Florida memories are special of Lake-girl Sally igniting the Gulf Coast, Sanibel Island, Orlando and the East Coast.
Miss you and love you!
Sorry to read this. My parents used to rent a little cottage that sat in the Patterson backyard at the lake. As kids we had alot of fun & they would give us boatrides. I also stayed with Diane Weaver and her grandparents, the Schultzs, that lived across the road. Lots of great memories. I’m happy she got to live at the lake !!!!
I am saddened. Tragic loss to Phil, Mike, Matt, and Kristen. She was so much fun to be around. Loved spending time with her and the family. I know she is arranging more parties and cooking for all around her in the everafter. RIP Sally.