Obituary of Patricia Jean Pederson

Patricia Jean (Durfee) Pederson, 75, of Duluth, went home to be with the Lord on Nov. 29, 2016, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded continually with her family by her side, we witnessed her grace and strength through the illness. Patricia was born in Duluth on Oct. 26, 1941, the daughter of Captain William James Durfee and Ruby (Atol)) Durfee. Patricia was a beauty from the day she was born, winning most beautiful baby honor at six months old. She married young and began her family. Patricia spent time in Women's Circle in United Protestant Church, was an Avon Consultant, and went on to Nursing as an LPN at St Mary's Medical Center on Med/Surgical floor. Patricia was an active member at American Legion Post 71. She loved to bake for her friends and family at the legion. She spent many years contributing to the children's toys at the Moose Heart, and spent many hours praying for her friends and family in need of healing. She was a proud member of Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Patricia had a quick wit, her sense of humor could bring a grin to any situation, a smile that lit up the room, and a beauty that was not surpassed. Her faith was deep and steadfast, she inspired her children to be and do the best they could, loving them with unconditional pure love. Patricia was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, David George Pederson; her parents; sisters, Katherine Hooey, Lorraine Jeanetta, Ruth Wiesen, Joyce Bogosian; brothers; William Durfee, Edward Durfee, John Durfee, Robert Durfee, and Duane Durfee. She is survived by her loving and devoted children, Gregory (Carol) Pederson, Kelly (Dave) Hanson, Tammy (Mike Holm) Walker, and David Pederson, all of Duluth; 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Diane (John) Holt, Donna (Martin) Dickson; brothers, Arthur Durfee, Jeffrey (Joette) Durfee, and sister wife, Carol (Jerry) Weeks. A special thank you to Dr. Turner and the hospice nurses at St. Luke's. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 11 a.m. Friday Dec. 9, 2016, in Cremation Society of Minnesota with visitation one hour prior. A Celebration of Life to follow in the Proctor Moose Lodge, 415 - 3rd Ave. Proctor. Please come and share your love for Patricia through your stories and memories with family and friends as we celebrate Patricia's life.