Dorothy Ann (Skwiera) Papatola

Papatola, Dorothy Ann (nee Skwiera) age 87, having completed her work in this life, joined the souls and spirits of those who had gone before her on November 13, 2016. A devoted mother, she anchored the lives of her children with constant, reassuring presence. Her gifts of gumption, compassion and common sense nurtured responsibility and independence. She taught by example and quiet determination. Dorothy left her first year of college to marry Joe Papatola and returned many years and five children later to complete her education with bachelor's and master's degrees. Her work in Minneapolis' inner-city schools provided new dimensions to her worldview. Deeply touched by the stark and chaotic situations of her students, she filled in gaps wherever she could with time after school, lunch tickets, new shoes or winter coats. She loved family holidays and graciously shared them, often with the "orphan" friends of her children who had no place else to go. She loved music -- especially Broadway musicals -- often capping celebrations in front of her hard-to-tune baby grand piano with children and grandchildren gathered in song. She weathered the death of her husband and the untimely death of a son. Long-term effects of Parkinson's gradually diminished her mobility, but never to the point of refusing her children's invitations to her beloved arboretum. Her departure leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Dorothy was preceded in death by husband, Joseph Papatola; son Joseph Papatola, Jr; parents Peter and Stella Skwiera; sister Barbara Jean Beck; brother Edward Skwiera; son-in-law, Timothy Peterson. She is survived by her loving children and grandchildren: Kathleen Papatola and children Chase Peterson, Marissa Papatola and Tiffany Withers; Mary Jo Manzey (Gary) and children Paul (Gemma) and Sarah (David) Erdahl; Nancy Smith (Greg) and children Mara and Collin; Dominic Papatola (Mary Jones) and children Nicky and Sofia; Joe Jr.'s life-long partner, Tim Scott and many friends and loved ones. Visitation 5:30-8 pm Thursday at Washburn-McReavy Northeast Chapel, 2901 Johnson St. NE with vigil prayers at 7:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, 11am, St. Charles Borromeo Church, 2739 Stinson Boulevard, with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment Sunset Memorial Park. Washburn-McReavy.com Northeast Chapel 612-781-6828 2901 Johnson St. N.E.

Tributes

Dorothy Ann (Skwiera) Papatola

November 13, 2016

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