Patricia "Pat" Carpenter

Patricia Ann (O’Brien) Carpenter, (“Pat” to all her family and friends), peacefully departed this life on April 5, 2025, at Centra Care Hospital in Willmar, MN, after having lived a full and Blessed life of 95 years.

Pat was born on March 24, 1930, in Bismarck, North Dakota to Phyllis (Nelson) O’Brien and Raymond J. O’Brien. Pat’s family moved to Bemidji MN 1946, where she graduated from Bemidji High School in 1948. Pat was an outdoor enthusiast and loved riding her horse “Babe”, bicycling, water skiing, fishing and hunting. Pat was united in marriage to Keith W. Carpenter August 11, 1948, in Bemidji, MN. Pat and Keith moved from Bemidji to Montevideo, MN and finally settled in Wadena, MN where they raised their two children, Cathy and Dan. Pat worked for Bell Telephone as a telephone operator, and Brinks Jewelry. After Keith’s passing in 1994, Pat continued to make Wadena her home until 2021 when she moved to New London, MN, to be closer to her family.

Pat was energetic, had a wonderful sense of humor, was quick-witted, kind, thoughtful, caring, and compassionate to all who had the good fortune to know her. If someone needed help, she was always there for comfort, support, hugs and words of encouragement. Pat was a great cook, avid reader, loved music, had a particular fondness for desserts, and was someone who enjoyed giving & receiving hugs. Pat faithfully attended the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Wadena, MN and enthusiastically served in her church and community wherever she was needed. She enjoyed playing Bridge with her card club, coffee parties with friends, Birthday Club get-togethers, Widow’s Group trips and outings, and going out to dinner and movies with friends. Pat loved to travel; she especially enjoyed her two trips to Ireland. Pat will lovingly be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. Pat’s greatest joy was spending time with her family; especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pat is survived by her son: Dan (Denise) Carpenter of Spicer, MN; son-in-law: Doug Smith of Beaverton, OR; grandchildren: Jeff (Annie) Carpenter of Burnsville, MN; Mitch (Theresa) Carpenter of Bloomington, MN; Trea Smith (Allen BeeBe) of Portland, OR; and Jonathan Smith of Roi Et, Thailand, as well as her great-grandchildren: Riley Robertson, Ellie Carpenter, Jolie Mays, Edie Carpenter, Sasha Beebe, Cassidy Beebe, and Penny Smith.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband Keith Carpenter, daughter Cathy Smith, granddaughter Julie Carpenter, her parents Phyllis and Raymond O’Brien, and her two brothers James and Richard O’Brien.

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