In Loving Memory

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF PATRICIA ANNE TILLES

March 26, 1944 - August 18, 2024

Visitation to be Held Friday, August 30, 2024 Viewing: 3:00 5:15 p.m

Swanson Funeral Home, East Chapel, 806 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48207

Dr. Jacqueline Tilles Officiating.

Patricia Anne Tilles was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan.

She was the fifth child born to the union of Ralph Allan Tilles and Emmie Walker Tilles. After welcoming one girl and three boys, Ralph and Emmie were delighted to at last add another girl to the family.

Patricia attended the Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Mackenzie High School in 1961. She then completed many courses at Oakland Community College and Wayne State University. Following her retirement, she completed her studies and earned an Associate Degree from Oakland.

While in her teens, Patricia was baptized into the membership of Second Baptist Church of Detroit where she was active in the Sunday School and in Fellowship Group 3900.

After high school, Patricia began to work for the United States Postal Service. She rapidly moved through the ranks of the Postal Service working as a casual employee; clerk; supervisor; General Supervisor; Manager and finally Operations Manager a job in which she managed the entire Fort Street Post Office.

Patricia’s only employer during her adult life was the United States Postal Service (USPS).

What an unusual and commendable employment record!

In all, Patricia worked for the USPS for a total of 35 years, retiring in 1995. During that time, she was known for her strict attention to detail and for her rigorous professionalism. For many years following her retirement, postal employees throughout Detroit continued to remember Patricia with deep respect and heartfelt fondness.

Patricia loved to take long walks and was an avid reader. She was also a master of crossword puzzles and a keen analyst of political and cultural trends.

Under her business-like exterior, she also had a vey kind heart and loved to quietly and generously assist individuals who were in need.

In addition, she was a sincere animal lover. At various times, she raised two dogs and supported organizations that cared for abused animals.

On Friday, August 16, Particia went to bed for her nightly rest and died peacefully in her sleep of natural causes sometime between Saturday, August 17, and Sunday, August 18, 2024. We thank the Lord that despite her age of 80 years, she suffered no debilitating illness.

Patricia was predeceased by her son, Mark Christian Tilles who died of cancer while in his thirties, as well as her parents and her three older brothers John, Gerald and Ralph Bernard.

Patricia leaves to mourn her loss and cherish her memory: her sister, Dr. Jacqueline Tilles; many nieces, nephews; cousins; former co-workers and friends,.

Special thanks and love are also given to Angela Olivera for her great outpouring of love and assistance during the last years of Patricia’s life.

At Patricia’s request, no funeral service will be conducted. A viewing and time of remembrance will be held Friday, August 30, 2024 from 3:00 6:00 p.m. at Swanson Funeral Home, 806 Mack Ave (on the corner of Mack and East Grand Blvd.