Patricia Lange

Lange, Patricia Ann (nee Knight)
January 8, 1949 ~ September 8, 2015

Preceded in death by parents, Helen Claire and Harold George Knight; brother, Larry Knight, and special aunts, Marjorie Knight and Marie Morgan. Survived by son, Joshua Lange; daughter, Tara (David) Majeski; grandchildren, Adele and Joe Majeski; brother, Kevin (Noreen) Knight; former husband and father to her children, Tony (Sue) Lange; and last but not least, her 4 legged grandson, Harley Charley Lange "Har Char."

Mother Pat was a kind hearted spirit who believed in helping others. She lived the path of unconditional love and sacrifice, never judging anyone, understanding all and believing in loving kindness being the only way. Because of her endurance and love, she pushed the boundaries others set down and found her son's Tourette Syndrome diagnosis in 1978 a time of institutions, pain, and misdiagnosis for many suffering with mental illness. In her love for her son and strong convictions, Pat became very involved in Tourette Syndrome acting as a member and president of the Minnesota Chapter for Tourette Syndrome, serving the Tourette Syndrome Association with recognition from 1980 thru 1991. She was also the founder of the MN Tourette Camp in 1986, providing solace, support and education to families across the globe bringing in honorable minds such as Oliver Sacks, MD, Neurologist and Professor at NYU, and Bill Rubin, Mental Health Researcher. Her efforts and amazing work brought hope to many individuals and families struggling with Tourette Syndrome and misdiagnosis. During her years of dedication, she also helped run and coordinate the Tourette Syndrome Booth in the Education Building at the MN State Fair. While doing this remarkable service, she was also a completely dedicated and loyal Personal Assistant to Bill and Betty Hulings of the Andersen Window Empire for over 15 years all while being an amazing mother to her children, Josh and Tara.

From her works and travels she found her next adventure in life and moved to Sanibel Island, Florida for a number of years where she discovered her "groove." She lived a fulfilling and creative life and eventually became co-owner of a wonderful flower shop business on the Island. Missed, and very much needed by family, she moved back to MN, spending time with her children and caring for her aunt and friend, Marjorie Knight until her passing in 2003.

One of her most cherished memories was a trip she took to Italy during a time in her life where her freedom was limited, showing her a world she fell in love with. Her trip ignited a passion for art, music, and celebration of all things "Made in Italy" and will forever be Pat's most pivotal moment in finding her true self.

Her most recent and beautiful legacy she left was her incredible grandchildren, Adele and Joe. Pat knew her time was limited. In the seven years acting as Adele named her, "Sparkly Old Gramma", she created special memories from the big ones to the small details only that which a "Grand" mother is capable of. She gave her grandkids kindness, unconditional love and Happy Meals from McDonald's. Adele and Joe will always remember the sparkly clothes she'd wear, the crystal candy dish full of Starlight Mints and Butterscotches, the best toys for birthdays and Christmas and above all the warmest, softest voice saying "I love you" as often as she could.

Pat thrived on doing good for others, and making people happy. We are so proud of our mother for her strength, her love and her amazing grace she carried through her years of struggle with illness. No matter how horrible she felt, and how difficult it was to muster up the energy, she showed up for us and never gave up at least without a promise that it would happen tomorrow which it always did, up until the end of her last day. Our mother was a beautiful, selfless woman. She was a soldier for kindness and finally got her wings.

We love you Mom and will miss you so much. "I believe in miracles, there's no one like you."
Love always,
Josh and Tara XOXO