Patricia (Stein) Southwell

A life of love, family, and adventure

Pat Southwell was a quiet force in the world. She was a loving and steadfast mother, nana, sister, daughter, and friend. Throughout her long life, she loved learning new things, travelling, reading, and creating. She shared these joys with her family and friends, and taught us by example to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

She spent a happy childhood growing up in Cold Spring, Minnesota, a town of German immigrants, with her parents, Genevieve and Albert Stein, her sister Loyola, brothers Jim, Roger, Roland, and Johnny, and many relatives. She attended St. Cloud State University and became an elementary school teacher - not just in Minnesota, but in Wisconsin, Montana, Wyoming, and later in Ireland and Australia when she travelled the world.

Her adventures took her by ship across the Atlantic for extensive travels in Europe and Australia. At a time when a woman from a small town was not expected to pursue higher education and a career, then travel the world alone, she did it anyway. In Australia she met and married Cyril Southwell, then crossed the Pacific back to the United States where they started their family in Minnesota.

Pat was the most amazing mom to her three daughters, Linda, Laura, and Leah. She worked hard and made sacrifices without complaint. She lived with unwavering morality and integrity, and instilled those values in her family. She was a joyful and thoughtful nana to Conor, Riley, Truman, Leo, Brittni, Bethany, Brooke, Bridget, Aubrey, and Devin. She is beloved by her sons-in-law, Kevin, Brad, and Joe, as well as her many friends.

Pat loved the arts and was incredibly creative. She worked in every medium you can think of — painting, pottery, drawing, collage, beading, quilting, knitting, calligraphy, paper-making, weaving, stained glass, embroidery, sewing, doll-making, just to name a few.

We all loved her beautiful handmade Christmas cards. She always remembered your birthday and you could count on receiving a personalized, handmade card from her in the mail. She was an avid reader and especially loved stories by local authors set in Minnesota. She was skilled and patient with jigsaw puzzles, word games, and euchre. She was witty with a great sense of humor, and we will always remember her smile and her bright blue eyes.

Pat will be fondly remembered as a petite powerhouse, and a shining example of inner strength and perseverance.

memorial service

Mass followed by celebration of life

January 10, 2026

Highlands On Graham 1910 Graham Ave W, St Paul, MN 55116, USA

Mass at 11:00 am in the chapel at Highlands on Graham followed by a celebration of Pat's life in the adjacent community room. We hope you can join us!