It is with great sadness that the daughters of Patricia (Pat) Magnuson announce the passing of their beloved Mother. Pat lost her 5 year struggle with Lewy Body Dementia on June 20, 2024 surrounded in love with her two daughters, Karen Magnuson and Kristina Magnuson and her beloved sister-in-law, Martha Kucinsky (nee Magnuson) by her side.
Patricia Ann Magnuson (nee Barchard) was born on April 27, 1936 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada to Cyril and Mary (nee Halloran) Barchard. In 1954, she graduated from Fredericton High School, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada and later qualified to work in Ottawa, Ontario in the Civil Service Commission section of the Canadian government. In 1958, she accepted a posting at the Canadian Embassy in Vienna, Austria. During that posting, she enjoyed traveling Europe and the Middle East with friends and eventually met her future husband, Martin Magnuson, on a long weekend trip to London.
Pat was married to Martin (Marty) Olaf Magnuson on January 7,1962 in Key West, Florida. They were married 41 years until Marty’s death on Sept. 23, 2003. Pat and Marty have two daughters, Karen of Vero Beach, Fl and Kristina of Kenosha. Pat also has three grandchildren, Nicolas and Jacob Magnuson and Lauren Magnuson of Vero Beach, Fl.
In the early 80’s, Pat worked part-time at Pleasant Prairie Elementary as a lunch lady and was the bookkeeper for her husband’s business. In 1983, Pat went to work full-time for Kenosha County Department of Human Services as an Economic Support Specialist where she remained until her retirement in 1999.
Pat loved traveling the world and has been to numerous countries spanning four continents. She belonged to many groups over the years including bowling leagues, book club, water aerobics, and ski club, where she finally hung up her skis at age 73. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and watching Jeopardy. Pat was an amazing baker and was known to many for her blueberry pie, strawberry jam, and chocolate chip cookies.
Pat is survived by her daughters, Karen and Kristina; her grandchildren, Nicolas, Jacob and Lauren; her sisters, Nancy Hermiston and Joan Barchard; her brothers, Lawrence and Brian Barchard; and her sister-in-law, Martha Kucinsky.
Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Cyril and Mary; and her husband, Martin.
Service Date June 26, 2024
SERVICE LOCATION Piasecki Funeral Home
Funeral services honoring Patricia’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at the Piasecki Funeral Home.
Interment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park, Kenosha, WI.
A visitation for Patricia will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Piasecki Funeral Home.
