Sister Pat was born on December 12, 1931, in St. Paul, Minn. She was the third of eight children born to the late John and Agnes (Foley) Zangs. She was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, Minnesota, on July 31, 1952. She made her first profession of vows on August 12, 1954, and final vows on August 12, 1957. She was a Franciscan Sister for 72 years.
Sister Pat earned a licensed practical nurse diploma from Miller Hospital School of Practical Nursing, St. Paul, Minn.; became a registered nurse through St. Gabriel’s School of Nursing, Little Falls; earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn.; and a master’s degree in psychology and wholistic studies from Antioch University, San Francisco, Calif. She also studied at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis.; State School of Science, Wahpeton, N. Dak.; Edgewood College, Madison, Wis.; Clark College, Dubuque, Iowa.; and St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo.
Sister Pat ministered as a staff nurse, supervisor, administrator, counselor and instructor in hospitals located in Little Falls, Sauk Centre, Breckenridge and Moorhead, Minn. and in Cudahy and Dodgeville, Wis. She also served as director and counselor at Wholistic Growth Resources, Little Falls.
Sister Pat had a great love for classical music, poetry and cooking—especially on the grill. She appreciated the opportunity to minister to her sisters in the wholistic program for 20 years. She will be remembered as a person with a vision for the future, a great sense of humor and a depth of knowledge that she readily shared. She had a great respect for people, was levelheaded in her judgments, and quick to affirm people for the good she saw in them.
Sister Pat loved parties and would initiate them wherever she was, so people could have a good time celebrating together. She was great at storytelling.
Sister Irenemaree Rodak formed community with Sister Pat for 20 years. They both love Dachshunds and their latest one is Cassie. Both Sister Irenemaree and Cassie will miss Sister Pat.
Sister Pat was preceded in death by siblings Carol, Mary Bibeau, John, Martin and Alannah. Survivors include siblings Kathleen (John) Kidd, New Brighton; Sandra (John) Vornbrock, North Branch; nieces, nephews and her Franciscan Community.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 13, 11 a.m. at St. Francis Convent.
