Patricia Brown Darling, 88, died peacefully Monday, May 13, 2024, at Rochester East Health Care, under the care of Mayo Hospice, with family and friends by her side after being anointed by a priest.
Pat was born and raised in Chicago by Robert Cooper Brown and Anita (von Buelow) Brown. She went to Nurse’s Training at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester where she met her future husband, Don Darling, of Winona. They were united in marriage July 26, 1958, in Chicago, and were married 64 years. They raised four children, moving around Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Alaska, and finally retiring in Dillon, Montana where they lived for the longest time of their married life. She was an RN and worked at many nursing homes while Don pursued educational and career opportunities.
Pat had many hobbies, including sewing, knitting, and crocheting, and made many baby hats for newborns. She was a professional genealogist and helped many people with their family histories. She founded The Darling Association of America, and worked in local genealogy societies including the Beaver Head Hunters Genealogical Society in Montana. She loved to write and was an excellent correspondent. She wrote many stories about herself, her family, and her ancestors.
Pat is survived by her children, Ginny Darling of Rochester, Cindy Bauer of Moscow, Idaho, and Ben Darling of Missoula, Montana; daughter-in-law Eileen Darling, Nicollet, Minnesota; grandchildren Don Darling (Amanda), Brad Darling (Nicki), Jemima Bauer, Kezia Hartman (Oliver), Tabitha Bauer, and Linus Bauer; eight great-grandchildren; sisters Valerie Stevens and Judy Sarena, both of California, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Anita; brother Robert Jr.; husband Don; and son Don Jr.
Visitation will be at 9:30 am Friday, May 17, 2024, at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, Minnesota, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30. Clergy will be Monsignor Gerald Mahon. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
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