Patricia Jane (Edwards) Hagel often said she lived for her children and wouldn’t pass away until her work was finished. Evidently, the Lord felt her work was finished, because she was brought home to the Lord on March 18, 2021, at the age of 96. She lived in Ocean Shores for many years, but had been a longtime resident of Hot Springs, South Dakota. She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she lived most of her formative years. She attended the University of Minnesota, earning her degree in nursing.
She had a passion for nursing, serving as a registered nurse on the ward, in the ICU, and as a nursing supervisor at the Hot Springs (South Dakota) VA hospital for “at least 100 years.” She enjoyed taking care of people. She also loved to garden, read and listen to music. Even in her later years as her eyesight and hearing were failing, she would read novels and listen to classical and easy-listening music. She loved to play the piano and organ. Her favorite pastime, however, was gardening, with roses, rhododendrons and iris her particular favorites. She loved beautifying her yard and worked in her various gardens, even into her late 80s.
Patricia “Pat” was preceded in death by her parents Flora and Walter Edwards; by her siblings Walter “Sandy” (and Joan) Edwards and Douglas (and Virginia) Edwards; by her great-grandson, Dawson Gordon; and by son-in-law Edward “Ned” Pleus. She is survived by her four children: Kathryn Hagel of Seattle, Washington; Sharon Pleus of Ocean Shores, Washington; Mary (George) Helwagen of Concord, Ohio and Steve (Julie) Hagel of Wetumpka, Alabama; by 13 grandchildren: Sally (Michael) McClain, Heidi (Sven) Kleeblatt, Nate (Jordan) Helwagen, Elaina (David) Gordon, Adam (Frannie) Hagel, Audra (Matthew) Hoshor, Sethany Hagel, Charisa Hagel, Moriah Hagel, Judah Hagel, Abigail Hagel, Anna Hagel and Joshua Hagel; by eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; by sister-in-law Nancy Edwards; by numerous nieces and nephews; and by many treasured friends.
A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date, after we can travel without COVID interference.
