Patricia Ann McGuire

Patricia Ann McGuire Patricia "Patty" Ann McGuire, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was born on April 17, 1954, and passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, at Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul after courageously navigating cancer over the past 20 months. She was surrounded by love, faith, and handbell music at the time of her departure. Patty was born at Ripley Memorial Hospital in Minneapolis to George Thomas Sisson and Carol Mae Sisson. She graduated from Henry High School in 1972 and later pursued adult college courses at the University of St. Thomas, reflecting her lifelong love of learning. Patty's working life was filled with friends and joy. Her first job was fueling cars, and she later worked at Munsingwear, Dairy Fresh, Dayton's, and Target. She especially loved working in bookstores-first at a medical bookstore in her 20s and later at Barnes & Noble, where she ended her career helping countless customers find just the right book. In the 1980s and 1990s, Patty opened her home as a foster parent. She was known for her compassion, fierce advocacy, and unwavering willingness to stand up for those who needed someone in their corner. She ensured foster children maintained connections with their parents, taught new mothers how to care for babies, and intervened in situations of bullying. In more recent years, she served on a refugee welcome team, helped families settle into the community, served on the Birch Pond Condominium board, and was active with Everytown for Gun Safety. Patty was deeply involved in her church community as a Sunday school and preschool teacher, a handbell director, and part of the team that brought fresh dairy products to the church food shelf. She most recently attended Nativity Lutheran Church in St. Anthony and cherished this inclusive community, which welcomed her even when she couldn't be there in person. She especially valued churches that welcomed children-where little ones had a place to play during services and the sounds of babies crying were embraced as part of community life. She believed in supporting young families with quality childcare, and honorariums in her name may be directed to Nativity Child and Family Center, where her grandson Quinn attended and where her daughter Sarah served on the board. Her joys were many: reading, swimming, and her grandsons Quinn and Truman-whether cheering at the ski hill, supporting them in junior golf, or simply being a "baby whisperer" when Sarah and Don needed rest. Patty's faith was central to her life. She took comfort in knowing she would be with her beloved husband Jerry McGuire, best friend Suzanne Engelhart, her little sister Gwyn, and many other loved ones. Patty is survived by her daughter Sarah (Don) Knoph and treasured grandsons Quinn and Truman; her sisters Laura Grande (Pat), who accompanied her to many chemo appointments, and Carrie Champeau (Steve), who traveled from out of state to stay with Patty and provide care and support; nieces and nephews Andrea, Jeffrey (Anna), Benjamin, Marie, Alan (Angie), Kelly, Miles, Monaca, Christy (Mike), Michelle (Trenton), and Vanessa; and grandnieces and grandnephews Juniper, Colby, EmmaRaine, Mason, Cyprus, Brodin, Javelle, Autumn, Cecelia, Kymeisha, Daimontae, Kai, Avery, Tyler, and Ellie. She is also survived by Jerry's children and grandchildren, and many beloved cousins, including Andrea Wollak, who provided the family and Patty with care and support during this time. She was preceded in death by her parents George and Carol Sisson, husband Jerry McGuire, sister Gwyn Roth, and lifelong best friend Suzanne Engelhart. Her family extends heartfelt thanks to Cindy Newman, who not only accompanied Patty on so many appointments, but also supported daughter Sarah as another "mom" through these difficult months; to the Paquette sisters for their support and the many floral arrangements that brought Patty comfort; to her sisters Laura Grande and Carrie Champeau for their care and presence; to Robert Deurmier, for his steadfast friendship and support; to the residents and staff of Kenzie Terrace and Catholic Eldercare Mainstreet Lodge; to the team at Our Lady of Peace for a peaceful final journey; to Amy Teske for offering Patty a musical handbell sendoff; to Jan Fredrickson of St. Anthony Nativity Lutheran, for her friendship and spiritual support; to the caring team at Washburn-McReavy Hillside, where Patty's Grandpa Sisson worked for many years; and to so many unnamed but treasured friends. The family especially wants to thank Boaz and Monique, who coordinated Mom's care from a person-centered lens that honored Patty's wishes until her final days. A memorial service will be held at Nativity Lutheran Church, 3312 Silver Lake Road, St. Anthony, MN 55418, on Friday, October 3, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. A light luncheon will follow. Private interment will take place at Lakewood Cemetery alongside her husband Jerry.

Tributes

Patricia Ann McGuire

April 17, 1954 - September 11, 2025

Tributes

Patricia Ann McGuire

April 17, 1954 - September 11, 2025

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