Patricia Lynn Trautman

Patricia Lynn Trautman (nee Mach)

23 May 1945- 2 September 2026. Dr Trautman received her undergraduate degree in political science from Michigan State University, and, later in life, her doctorate in the special reading sciences from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. As a grad assistant, she was the department’s computer specialist as computers were coming to be used widely in academia.

Her abiding passion was to help children struggling with learning to read. And carried on a private practice there until her health failed her in her last year of life. She was successful in turning around many cases where the educational system had failed the child. And was constantly staying current with new developments and techniques emergent within her field that could be helpful for her charges.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald, her son, Scott, her grandson, Sharif, her brothers Frederick Mach and John Mach. And is survived by her daughter, Erin, her sons Brett and Nagi, her honorary son, Jeffery Ward, her brothers, Richard and Barry, grandsons George and Amir and granddaughter Jaclyn. And a special note must be made of the many friends who stepped up over and over again to make her life more possible — especially Elaine Greene who helped her many times over the last year. And also her longest and most dearest friend who was like a sister to her, Peggy O’Shaughnessy. Patricia was a practicing Catholic dedicated to the faith and an abiding member of the Christ the Redeemer Catholic parish in Orion township.

Her mother, Ruth, was the motivating factor behind and original creator of Keep Orion Beautiful. And her father, Ted, was an auto executive with Pontiac Motors as assistant chief body engineer retiring w nine patents to his name.

Late in life, she cared for her son, Scott with ALS at her home throughout his 2 ½ year fight w the illness. And earlier had formed a prayer group which gathered together every week to pray for those in need. And who prayed over her at her home on the morning of her passing.