Patrice "Patti" Marie Russell

Russell, Patrice Marie, age 62 of Houlton, WI and Largo, Florida, passed away Easter Sunday, March 31, in Clearwater, Florida after a sudden late-stage cancer diagnosis. Patti was an incredible wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Growing up in Shoreview, Patti was a Graduate of Moundsview HS. She later attended Broward Community College in Ft Lauderdale, FL. After two years her heart drew her back to MN to marry the love of her life, Randy Russell in May,1983. She completed her B.A. and M.A. in Communication Disorders - Speech Language Pathology at the U of M in 1988. Patti had a successful and fulfilling career; initially working with the elderly at Lake Ridge HC in Roseville and later with trauma patients at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. She eventually found her niche teaching elementary & middle school students, specializing in autism. From 1999 until present, Patti held positions at North Branch, South Washington County, Mahtomedi, Bloomington and most recently Minneapolis Public Schools. Patti was gifted in the arts; piano, painting and design. She was a talented scrapbooker, crafter and interior designer.

She will be remembered for her amazing kindness and generosity to all she met & through her volunteer service with several organizations. Patti loved her family above all, including their many family pets and her grand "fur" babies. She cherished her many friendships including her scrapbooking group and the Regions girls. Patti is preceded in death by her father, Leo D. Christopherson. She is survived and deeply missed by her loving husband, Randy of 40 years, daughter, Brittany (Cyrus) Alipour of St Petersburg, FL, Mother Eileen Christopherson, sister Pam (John) Bertrand of Bloomington, MN & extended family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 17 at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Oakdale at 11am. Visitation one hour prior. Funeral luncheon to follow. Live stream avail at www.Guardian-Angels.org