Patricia Sue Gordon

Patricia Sue Gordon, 58, of Fargo, ND left this world peacefully at her home on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 surrounded by family and friends. She was under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley and many loved ones.

Patti was born on March 26, 1957 to James and Barbara (Nelson) Dawson in Fargo, ND. She grew up in Fargo and at her family’s cabin on Pelican Lake. During her youth, she made lifelong friendships with neighbors and grade school peers that were able to be near her side during her last days. After working for Dawson Hail Insurance in Fargo, Patti married John (JD) Gordon in the late summer of 1981. A year after she and JD were married, they purchased the house she grew up in on 9th street and remained in this home for the rest of her life. She raised two children, J.J. (32) and Christy (30) both of Fargo. She delighted in hosting friends for gatherings of all types and always kept her door open for anyone who wanted to stop by for coffee and a chat. She spent many happy years in her second home on Lake Seven in Minnesota. After the original cabin burned down in 1996, Patti oversaw the design and construction of their new lake home, which became the hub for many holidays, family gatherings, and countless memories.

In 2003, Patti nursed and cared for JD during his battle with cancer. After JD’s passing, she sold the cabin on Lake Seven and began a new chapter of her life that included beautiful gardens, writing, painting, continuing to be an amazing mother and friend as well as a brief stint as a professional lawn mower. The key word is “brief.” Patti loved her children and all of their friends. She was thought of as a “second mother” to many. Her kind nature and accepting personality made her a friend that was easy to talk to and could always be counted on.

Patti’s life was surrounded by color and nature. Her home featured untraditional color palettes and stacks of books pressing all types of leaves and flowers. Anyone who had the pleasure of walking into Patti’s home knew it was filled with her personality and reminders of the joyous life she led.
Patti is survived by her sisters Deb Dawson of Fargo, ND; Ginny (Chuck) Fosberg of Phoenix, AZ; Judy (Rod) Dawson-Einerson of Detroit Lakes, MN and sister-in-law JoNelle (Wally) Grunewald of Erhard, MN . Her children J.J. (Jill) and Christy (Brady) both of Fargo, ND. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members across the country.

Patti was preceded in death by her parents, husband, mother and father-in-law, aunts, uncles and cousins.

“It’s always a nice day for a picnic” – Patti Gordon May 2015

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association ND Chapter.

Funeral: Friday, October 23, 2015 at 11:00am. First Presbyterian Church Fargo, ND. A luncheon will be held at the Avalon Downtown, following the service.

Interment: Riverside Cemetery

To read more about Patti’s journey, see her Caring Bridge site