Patricia "Patsy" Altobell

Patricia “Patsy” Altobell, age 80, of Winona, MN, died on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Adith Miller Manor, with her loving daughters by her side, after a heartbreaking cognitive and physical decline from dementia.

Patsy was born February 4, 1943, in Rochester, MN to Sandino and Sidonia Altobell. She grew up in Winona with her five siblings and many neighborhood kids always playing together and the families taking care of each other in the neighborhood. She graduated from Cotter High School. She married in 1963 (later divorced) and after her three children were born and in school, Patsy went back to school herself and graduated from St. Teresa College with an Art degree and plans to teach. When she decided teaching wasn’t for her she tried many different career paths from dispatcher, to bartender, to photo retouching and Certified Nursing Assistant to name a few. She moved to New Mexico briefly and then on to Southern California. She returned to Winona and dedicated herself to her children and to helping others in need.

When her kids were younger, she made sure that the neighborhood kids would all get fed breakfast on weekend mornings and would recognize all of them with treats or small gifts at holiday time. She gave her kids the best and most creative birthday parties and always had fun, creative and crafty things for them to do. She was known for welcoming everyone into her home for big spaghetti dinners on New Years Day. She was a selfless and fierce woman and mother.  She especially loved music and dancing.

Patsy had two daughters who were her pride and joy. She would jump at the chance to travel with them and she spent time with them daily, helping in any way needed.

Patsy suffered horribly from dementia, and while it robbed her of so very many things, her feistiness remained. Throughout all of it, her intelligence and silliness would still come through in small ways. She will be remembered for her endless encouragement, wisdom, intelligence, giving, caring and kind ways.

She is survived by her loving daughters Jenny (Boomer) Olsen of Winona, and Shelley (Mike) Olsen of Winona; two sisters: Sandra and Marie; two brothers Allan (Judy) and Steve; grandson Bryan; many wonderful nieces and nephews and their families and of course special friends who shared so many fun, amazing memories over the years. She lost her one son, Ted in 1988 and struggled to accept that loss throughout the years.

We are beyond thankful that her pain and suffering are gone. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Special thanks to the staff at Adith Miller Manor who took care, showed kindness and patience, and practiced person-centered care with Patsy. Her family is forever grateful.

Please celebrate her life by raising a glass and toasting the great years - she would want that.

Patsy’s remains have been graciously and gratefully accepted by Mayo Clinic Anatomical Services.

In lieu of flowers the family asks to consider donating in memoriam to the Winona Area Humane Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.

To remember Patsy — pay it forward, show a kindness to a stranger, compassion and forgiveness to those that offend, and be a good human to all.

A celebration of Patsy’s life is being planned, and will be announced later.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Patsy’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.