Patricia "Pat" Markey

Our amazing loving wife, mother and grandmother Patricia “Pat” Mae Markey, age 68 of Cottage Grove, passed away Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017 and into the waiting arms of Jesus to be reunited with her father Norman and mother Shirley.

Memorial mass will be 11 am, Thursday, November 30, 2017 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 900 Holley Ave., St. Paul Park with visitation one hour prior.  Patricia final resting place will include a private family gathering at the St. Thomas Aquinas Church Cemetery in St. Paul Park, MN.   In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the MDS Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

Patricia “Pat” Mae Markey was born September 5, 1949 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Norman and Shirley (Melby) Smith.  She grew up in Newport and attended school at St. Thomas Aquinas Grade School and Park High School and completed her education in Boston, Massachusetts.  Pat served with the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary for Africa Convent for a short time and then continued her service to the Lord at an orphanage in Guatamala for a few years.  Pat returned to Minnesota where she enjoyed raising her daughters and starting her life long career in Human Services for Ramsey County.  She retired in 2008 as a financial assistant supervisor after over 30 years of service.

Pat met Steve Markey in 1997 and they were married on August 31, 2001.  They shared many interests together whether it was going to the movies, spending time outdoors, taking walks with the dogs, or bird watching.  Pat loved spending time with her daughters and grandkids and frequently went on coffee dates where they spent time visiting and laughing.  She was devoted to our Lord Jesus Christ and her faith carried her through many of life’s trials.  Pat had a great smile and was quick to laugh.

She is preceded in death by her parents Norman and Shirley Smith; father-in-law Albert W. Markey; and sister-in-law Reneé Jamros.  Pat is survived by husband Steven; daughters Pamela Maldonado (Tom) Higgins, Karla Maldonado (Steve) Ditzler; grandchildren Jordan, Madison, Mikkel and Jackson; siblings Dennis Smith, Pam (Tim) Geraghty, Kenneth (Bonnie) Smith and Jeffrey Smith; sister-in-law Denise (Robert) Justice and many nieces and nephews.

Thanks to Dr. Brian McClune, DO and the Twin Cities U of MN Hematology, Oncology and Transplant team.  In our time of grief, Pat's family apologizes for a delay for our deep gratitude and thank you to the countless Doctors and Nurses and Staff at the University of Minnesota, HealthPartners Clinics, and Regions Hospital who helped Pat with her struggles with MDS and Vasculitis Disease.  A very special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Randy W. Hurley Director, Cancer Care Center, Department Head, Hematology/Oncology at Regions Hospital. Pat and Steve had a special relationship with Dr. Hurley who was with Pat from the beginning. Dr. Randy W. Hurley's commitment, compassionate care, humility and sense of humor was there when we needed it most.