Aug.
25, 1923 - March 7, 2010SOUTH BEND - Patricia "Pat" Molle Carlin, 86, passed away Sunday, March 7, 2010, in her home with her beloved husband, Charles, and her children by her side. In addition to her husband, Pat is survived by her children, Charles R. (Marina) Carlin of South Bend, Thomas (Karen) Carlin of Lino Lakes, MN, Julie (Mark) Goepfrich of Granger, Polly (Kevin) McCarthy, Sally Carlin and George (Julie) Carlin, all of South Bend; her grandchildren, Alexis (Robert) Gutierrez, Anne (Jeremy) Skramstead, Sarah (Zachary) Raby, Michael Carlin, Amy (Randy) Holland, Amanda (Jason) Hertel, Meghan (Stephen) Pozywio, Melissa Goepfrich, Matthew (Kelly) McCarthy, Jessica McCarthy, Zachary Carlin Bombon, Charles W. Carlin and Emily Carlin; 11 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Sally Ridlen of Fort Wayne, and brother-in-law, Joseph (Marti) Carlin of Gaylord, MI; and beloved nieces and nephews. Pat was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Amy Rae Carlin; by her parents, George and Molle (Ringwalt) Gelhausen; and her sister, Rachael, and brother, Roger Gelhausen. Also preceding her in death were in-laws, H.A. and Helen (Carlin) Hinklen, Mary and Howard Vauris, Robert Ridlen, and niece, Betty Vauris. Pat was born on August 25, 1923, in Garrett, IN. She married her high school sweetheart, Charles E. Carlin, on March 6, 1943, and celebrated 67 years of marriage on the day before she passed. Pat was above all a devoted wife and mother. She opened her home and her heart to everyone who needed her. In addition to knowing the blessing of six biological children, Pat and Charlie enjoyed being second-parents to many. This broad definition of family continued during travels throughout North America, England, France, Japan, India, Taiwan and Hong Kong, where many adopted Pat as their American-mom. Pat was an accomplished and gifted homemaker and cook. Her pies are legendary. Pat was blessed with an exceptional artistic ability. She was a member of the local Watercolor Society. She found beauty in everything and everyone. The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, trusted physician, Robert P. King, the staff of the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, and the priests of Christ the King Catholic Church for their compassion during Pat's illness and death. The family will receive friends from 3:00-8:00 P.M. with a Rosary to be said at 6 P.M. today, March 10, in the Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon Thursday, March 11, 2010, in Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 SR 933, South Bend. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy on behalf of Pat may be offered to the Christ the King Catholic Church Food Pantry, 52473 SR 933, South Bend, IN 46637; or to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. Online condolences may be sent to the Carlin family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.