Patricia Ann Tiffany

Patricia Ann Tiffany

March 27, 1962 – December 31, 2018

            Patricia Ann Tiffany passed away unexpectedly on December 31, 2018, at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota following a heart attack.

            Patty was born on March 27, 1962, to Theodore and Elizabeth (McNearney) Nordstrom in Minneapolis, MN.  She grew up on Nicollet Avenue in Richfield with her three sisters and two brothers, enjoying backyard playtime, organized softball, and many family fishing and camping trips.  She attended and graduated from Richfield High School and then attended the University of Minnesota studying fashion design and home economics.  At an early age, she showed a creative talent that continued all her life. She loved to sew her own outfits and later sewed clothing for her children.  Patty worked for Lee Wards Crafts, then moved on to the banking industry, and later served as a civilian employee for the US Air Force Reserve (Mpls, MN).

            It was during her studies at the University that she met and fell in love with Rob Tiffany. They married on October 10, 1986 with bagpipes leading them down the aisle. Together they raised two sons William and Theodore.  The family lived in Burnsville, Richfield, and Redwood Falls before settling in Park Rapids.  As the boys moved through school, Patty volunteered for reading projects, field trips, and followed the boys wherever their interests took them; it was a wonderful adventure.  Living on Lower Bottle Lake, Patty loved the loons calling out their enchanting songs. She loved starting and expanding many beautiful flower gardens and other extensive landscaping projects.  Inside the house Patty decorated with her quilting, needlework, wool felting and other craft projects. She was a master at intertwining her creative touch with the beauties of nature.

            Patty was passionate in all her life pursuits. She was devoted to her family and loved Rob, Will, and Ted with all her heart. Patty was extremely proud of her Irish heritage. She loved music of all types, from Elvis Presley and Tony Bennett to Adele and Lady Gaga. Patty was also a diehard Minnesota sports fan and loved following and discussing the games and players with those around her.  Before her eyes failed her due to Keratoconus, she was a voracious reader.  She took pleasure in having a good conversation with anyone, fixing them with her brilliant blue eyes that always twinkled. After the boys left the nest for college,  she and Rob travelled each fall to explore, hike, and marvel at the natural beauties in the state and national parks throughout the western states.

            Patty is survived by her husband of 32 years Rob and sons Will and Ted and loyal dog Faolan.  Her surviving siblings, their spouses and significant other include:  Katie Nordstrom (Rick Shuler); Terry Vry (Don); Mary Hardzinski (Carl); and Mike Nordstrom (Kelly).  Her loving Aunt Mary, many wonderful cousins, and many other relatives will miss her deeply. Preceding her in death were her parents Ted and Betty and brother Dan Nordstrom (Elaine). 

            A Celebration of Patty’s Life will take place Saturday January 26, 2019 at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home, Park Rapids, MN.  A time of remembrance with family and friends will start at 1:00 p.m. with a simple service at 2:00 p.m.  An opportunity for more conversation and reflection will follow the service. Her family invites you to stop in for a brief visit or to spend the afternoon to celebrate Patty’s wonderful life and share memories of a beautiful Irish spirit gone too early.  Although Patty loved flowers, plants, and gardening, she would not want plants exposed to the frosty grip of the northern Minnesota January air.  To honor her life and memory, please consider adopting a kitten or a puppy, call a friend with whom you have lost contact, fill out an organ donation card, or simply do something nice for a stranger. Patty would appreciate that.  

            Keep her in your hearts.

      To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com