Patricia Harrison

October 23, 1947 - January 13, 2021

The Mass of Christian Burial for Patricia “Pat” Harrison of Wadena, will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena, with Father Aaron Kuhn as celebrant. Visitation with family and friends will be held on Friday from 4:30 until 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall, with a Christian Mother’s Rosary at 5:00 and Prayers at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. You can tell a lot about a woman by what she carries in her purse; at least, that was true for Patricia Marie Harrison, née McWhorter, age 73. Patricia was born in Flandreau, South Dakota, on October 23, 1947, to Hugh and Avita (Bollig) McWhorter.  She and her twin brother were the youngest of five children. Her twin brother Paul and oldest sister Therese (Jerry) predeceased her.  She is survived by siblings Hugh (Joy, deceased) McWhorter and Helen (Steve) Zellmer.  In Patricia’s purse was a laminated card with a Family Prayer with photos of her family members. With those photos was a poem that ended: “Tomorrow holds no fear for me—My Lord will lead the way.” For 51 years, Patricia was the beloved wife of Patrick, she was the loving mother of James (Michelle Clark) and Valerie, grandmother to Morgan and Madison Harrison, aunt, great aunt, and great-great aunt.  She certainly prayed for her family, some members more than others.    Patricia had a multitude of devotional booklets; including, Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions, a well-worn Prayers Throughout Your Day from the Church of Saint Ann, Lift Up Your Heart (a book of prayers and poems).  God was first in her heart and in her life.  She was a faithful member of Saint Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena and loved her church family at all of the churches she attended. She embraced her community and the school, and Patricia carried sports schedules in her purse. She never missed a graduation, grand march, or community dinner and attended many home sporting events with Patrick and Valerie.   Patricia had a card that reads, “Kindness Matters, One Kind Word Can Change Someone’s Entire Day”.  For Patricia, that sentiment was not kept just in her purse, but demonstrated in her every interaction.  She was always ready to help a friend, or a stranger.  She also gave of her tissues.  Patricia had not one, but eight packets of pocket tissues and was ever ready to offer comfort to those in need.  She gave lovingly of her time, her treasures and her talents.  She quilted with the St. John quilters and many of us are warmer because of hats, scarves, and afghans that she crocheted.  All of us are warmer for having had her as a part of our lives. Patricia peacefully joined our Lord and Savior on January 13, 2021, with her family by her side. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Wadena, MN.