Shirley Jane (Marsolek) Patterson

On the morning of May 24th, 2021, Shirley Jane Patterson returned to her heavenly home. A caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt, she devoted her life to faith in God and love of her family. Born in 1933 to Thomas and Melinda Marsolek of Claremont, Minnesota, she was the third of four siblings. She started working as a medical assistant in Ekalaka, Montana, where she met her love and lifelong spouse, Peter Patterson. Shirley and Peter were married in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Owatonna, Minnesota on August 9th, 1956, and moved to Wyoming to start a family. She raised three children, Mary, Mark, and John and nurtured them with love, support, and good home-cooking. After the family moved to California, she earned a Certificate in Medical Assisting from Bakersfield College in 1982 and worked for a private physician. When they returned to Wyoming, she volunteered for the Wyoming Council of Catholic Women, serving as the state president from 1996 to 1998 and the regional representative to the National Council of Catholic Women from 2006 to 2008, where she deepened her faith and commitment to service. She also continued her work as a medical assistant by volunteering at the West Park Hospital in Cody, Wyoming. After moving to Albuquerque in 2010, she devoted her time to creating beautiful quilts for her family and supporting her grandchildren, Xavier and Raquel, at their sporting events.

Shirley loved to travel and seek new adventures. Whether it was a pilgrimage to strengthen her faith or a Christmas vacation bringing the family together, she always had a trip planned. From Sedona to Maui, our Christmas celebrations were rarely in the same place; we often resorted to opening presents under a palm tree in a rented condo or borrowing cooking equipment from a local restaurant for a big Christmas dinner. She also loved traveling with Peter. Their cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, and Scandinavia were among the many memorable trips that they treasured together.

As a devout Catholic, Shirley found strength, hope, and solace in her daily Rosary. She credited her growth as a loving and forgiving person to her strong faith. She was exceptionally supportive of her children and grandchildren and openly expressed how proud she was of us. We loved her dearly and will embrace her as our newest guardian angel.

She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas J. Marsolek; mother, Melinda Wilson Marsolek; sister, Mary Lou Eisen; brother, Richard T. Marsolek; niece, Cindy Lou Madsen; and nephew, David Eisen. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Peter Patterson; children, Mary Moya and husband, Ron, Mark Patterson, and John Patterson and wife, Patrice; grandchildren, Xavier Moya and Raquel Moya; step-grandson, Robbie Breadmont; sister, Maureen Drabant and husband, Don; and nephews, Rich Marsolek and Jeff Marsolek.

A Viewing will be held at FRENCH-Wyoming, on Thursday, June 3rd at 5:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Shirley's Funeral Mass will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Community on Friday, June 4 at 10:00 am. A private family ceremony for Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery on June 10.