Pat Wilkinson was born Patricia (Patsy) Lou Callaghan to Walter and Fern (Brooks) Callaghan on January 29, 1930 in the Barnard/Westport South Dakota area. She lived on a farm with her parents and brother, Tommy, and she enjoyed a life of fun and work with an extended family of many cousins, aunts and uncles. Her mother died when Pat was fifteen while Tommy was overseas in the Navy. She lived and kept house and helped her dad with chores and field work until she graduated from high school and left for college at Mount Marty in Yankton, SD. For several years, she returned home each summer to help her dad.
Her first teaching position was in McIntosh, SD followed by positions in Baker, MT and Glendive, MT. While teaching in Glendive, she met and married Bruce Wilkinson, who had come home from Texas to work in the oil well service company. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Wolf Point, MT where their first child, Tacy, was born. Since Pat was teaching in Vida and Bruce was working oil wells in that area, they moved to Vida for five years. Their second daughter, Therese, was born while they lived there. Finally, they bought a farm in northern McCone County. It was there that their last three children were born, Shaun, Kileen and Patrick. Bruce and Pat Wilkinson lived there the rest of their lives. During that time, Pat taught at Frontier, Northside and Southside Elementary Schools until she retired in 1995. After her retirement from elementary teaching, she taught education classes at Fort Peck Community College for fifteen years. Pat retired in 2010-culminating a teaching career of fifty-four years.
Pat had a full and happy life enjoying her family, entertaining friends, and all of the farm animals and pets. She enjoyed crafts and volunteering for many community activities. She was devoted to her Catholic faith and took responsibility in all of the ministries in that church. Pat also spent several years teaching CCD in Wolf Point and the various towns where she had taught school.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce, in 2010, parents and brother, Tommy. She is survived by her children Tacy Strand, Therese Long (Doug Long), Shaun Wilkinson (Teri Wilkinson), Kileen Hagadone (Rusty Hagadone) and Patrick Wilkinson (Brandi Wilkinson); step children Connie Brasher and Larry Wilkinson; goddaughter Dezi Adams; grandchildren Erin Sabale (Vijeta Sabale), Teddi Anderson, Demi Wilkinson, Chandler Wilkinson, Nick Strand (Mahra Strand), Tyrell Wilkinson, Jordyn Wilkinson, Dalton Hagadone, Samantha Hagadone (Clay Kelsey) and Anamarie Long; and great grandchildren Macy Wilkinson, Camden Wilkinson, Mila Strand, Aarini Sabale and Brayleigh Kelsey.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday March 19, 2022
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
513 Dawson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
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Tomina Kinzie says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Wilkinson family. Pat was a wonderful, sweet lady and I loved her dearly. We lost a very important elder in our church family. I know she will continue to watch over us from above. Prayers, the Kinzie Family
Joy White says
Pat was one of those wonderful people that took life as it came and added her own spice to it! Words that come to mind: delightful, caring, down to earth, adventurous, and soooooo many more! She was a one of the best teachers at Vida Elementary and Frontier. She was a good friend to my mama, and our next-door neighbor. I can see her sitting with mama now and giggling and catching up! My sympathy to her wonderful family. She was one of those legacies we will miss.
Jean Archdale says
My prayers are with all of you, even though we expect to bury our parents it is just one of the hardest things to go through when we lose them. Your mom was one of the sweetest people I have ever known. She was my 4th grade teacher and definitely one of my favorite teachers i ever had. She always had a smile whenever I saw her and loved to visit. I know you will all miss her but oh my what a wonderful reunion she had with your dad at the gates of heaven and with the Lord who she served so faithfully all of her years. Well done good and faithful servant.
Bob and Terry McAnally says
What a lovely lady she was! Our condolences to all of Pat’s family and friends during this time of grieving.
Pam Clark says
My condolences to all the family. Pat was a great lady and I have heard that from a lot of people since her passing. We had some good laughs when I would help her. I will miss her but never forget her 😊🙏
Karen McNabb says
I will miss Pat dearly. I remember after church one Friday, we were talking outside in the back where she used to park, and she said “this day reminds me of the day I lost my mother.” She said she was 15 at the time. I remember we were looking up at the sky and everytime I walk outside and it looks like that it reminds me of her. Yes, we lost a very important person to our church family. May God and Blessed Virgin Mary comfort you all in the days ahead. I’m sure she is having a grand reunion with all the loved ones that passed on before her.
Ramey Growing Thunder says
My condolences to her family, she was a sweet lady and instructor at FPCC!
Laurie Anderson says
Heaven has just received a wonderful woman. I was very proud to have her in my life. I send prayers to all the family. This is a great loss for us, but a great addition to the angels watching over all of us.
Boone Whitmer says
My condolences and prayers to the family.
Pat on the move, smiles, loving life, loving the kids, and her children. More smiles, more smiles. That is how my memory is of her is. Thank you, dear Pat, God speed.
Vernie Madison says
Pat and Bruce are waiting patiently for the rest of us! God Bless is all, God’s Peace to all of the Wilkinson’s, AMEN 🙏
Kent S Moran says
RIP Mrs. Wilkinson. I did my sophomore practicum under her tutelege. I was scared like male bovine crepetation. She calmed those fears and guided me through. Thank you and condolences to the family. She was a great TEACHER.
Pauline Azure-Feuvray says
Pat was an amazing and kind happy lady. May she rejoice in heaven with her parents, husband and all her dead kindred.
Jeanette Graveley Loucks says
I’m so sorry you’ve lost your mom. Whenever I was around her she was alot of fun. Her laughter, along with Tacy & Therese, was so contagious. You couldn’t help laughing with them, even when you didn’t know what they were laughing about! Pat was a great teacher, & very comfortable to be around.
Rose Atkinson says
I loved Pat and all she did for the community and the college, she always went that extra mile to help the teacher ed students. I will miss her wonderful spirit and think of her delicious homemade Roca that she would bless me with at Christmas time. My condolences to the families.
Roy and Kathy toavs says
What a fabulous person caring and loving and always willing to say hi. Your faith in God will carry her the rest of the way. My condolences.
Anita Scheetz says
Rest in Peace, Pat. It was a pleasure to work with you. You were always a professional and a wonderful teacher. May happy memories keep you forever in our hearts.
Anita
Sue Johnson says
The handsome gentleman from Texas and his beautiful, feisty Irish lady are together again. Pat touched our lives in so many ways…people talk about certain happenings as “it’s a God thing”…Ron and I also refer to certain happenings as “it’s a Pat thing” She brought love and laughter and JOY everywhere she went. We miss her so much and will for the rest of our lives. Wishing everyone who loves Pat comfort and peace. Ron and Sue
Bill Rusche says
So sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a great lady who would take time to talk no matter what. Enjoyed conversations with her. She was always smiling. So long Pat.
Twilia Bear Cub says
Mrs. Wilkinson is the sweetest best teacher ever. I remember she made such an impact on students she taught. She would visit each student’s home because she knew the impact of a personal relationship it takes to teach . Thank you for that knowledge and the true love she shown by action and deed.
James Gabrielson says
Our Condolences to all of you! Pat was the Sweetest Lady with the sweetest smile ever, with that oh so cute twinkle of mischief in her eye! She was special!! Our Love to all of you.
Jim Gabrielson
Kari Gabrielson-Arnold
Florence Garcia says
Pat was a beautiful lady inside and out. She loved teaching and loved all students and did a remarkable job at the college. Her work at church was beyond amazing. We love and miss her.
PK Bushman says
Pat was a wonderful woman. I enjoyed getting to know her. My deepest sympathies to the family
Robin Schock says
I will miss Pat. What a special lady. I have quilted many of her quilts so I know that many in her precious family have received them. Just wrap yourself up in your quilt and remember how much you are loved by Pat. Take care.
Trudy Fox says
Pat was an extraordinary lady who will be missed by all. I remember her special kindness when Tom passed away and her warm smiles whenever we’d meet. Heaven has definitely gained another angel. My deepest sympathies to all her family.
Melissa Reum & family says
Condolences & prayers to the family. Mrs. Wilkinson was a wonderful women who will be greatly missed.
Mary Dillon says
My love and sincerest sympathy to all the family. Pat was such a beautiful person. It is comforting knowing that we will see our loved ones again. God bless all of you . Mary Dillon
Denise (Strand) Stambaugh says
Brandi and families,
Sorry to hear about your loss. May God give you strength and love as you go through this trying time. Prayers!
Love Denise, Bert and family
Julane Matejovsky says
Pat and Bruce were wonderful and caring friends when we lived in Wolf Point. We shared many happy occasions with them.. They were wonderful examples of true and faithful and spiritual individuals to us and those they came in contact with. I will miss our visits. Their family is a great example to all of us. I know they will miss her but she is waiting in heaven with that smile. May she rest in peace.
Rhonda Mason says
A truly wonderful lady, always positive, hardworking and caring. Heaven has another Angel.
Dale J Stensland says
Condolences She was a nice lady did a lot for a lot of people. God bless!
Nyla and Rocky Beaten says
Prayers for the family. She was a sweet lady.
R.J. Doornek says
Arlene & I extend our sincere condolences to the entire Wilkinson family over the loss of their beloved, Patricia. I rarely called her Patricia. It was always Pat to me, but In compiling my thoughts of her I could hear my dad, Hans, playfully calling “Hello, Patricia”, and then they would engage in friendly and quick witted banter. Pat was always so much fun to tease. She could take as well as she could give.
After Dad was gone, I took great pleasure in following his legacy of engaging Pat with good-natured playful ribbing. She was humorous and always on her toes. I took extreme pleasure during hunting season in telling Pat how bountiful the pheasant hunts were in the slough just below the Wilkinson home place. Of course, most everyone know that Pat was very protective of “her” wildlife, the deer and pheasant, especially in the slough. Her territorial jurisdiction covered a 20-mile radius from her house. That may be a slight exaggeration, but not by much!
Although Pat and Bruce and their family didn’t arrive in the Pleasant Valley community until the early 1960’s, they fit right into our “River Rat” community, most whose families traced back at least three generations. How could you not welcome a family that included a red-headed Irish colleen whose biggest job was keeping a sometimes misguided Texas BSer in tow. They complemented each other very well and were a treat to have as neighbors.
They came into the community on a wing and a prayer (mostly Pat’s at that time), both hard working and resourceful. Like their neighbors, they had just enough assorted livestock to keep them busy, but not wealthy. These included chickens, pigs, I think a few water fowl, a few cows and-Sheep! My grandparents, Bob & Marie Balder along with my mom and dad, Hans and Beverly, were established River Rats, too. They raised sheep and, with sheep at lambing time comes “bum lambs”, those that for various reasons are orphaned at or just after birth. If the bums become too plentiful a home has to be found for the extras. The Pat and Bruce Wilkinson family started in the sheep business with bum lambs donated from their flocks. Now, there is no truth to the rumor that their son, Patrick, joined the Wilkinson family in one of these bum lamb transfers. That is plain Fake News! Patrick, in fact was adopted from a clan of poor and struggling Irish gypsies passing through with the carnival at Stampede time. True story!
I texted Gib and Sally Nichols that Pat had died. They were very close friends with Pat & Bruce. In my text to them I mentioned that Ackie Kuntz used to endearingly refer to Pat as one of the pillars of our parish church. I stated that I entirely agreed. She ranks right up there with the pillar class of Fritz Green, Harriet Friesen, Sister Theodora and Sister Mary, truly matrons of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy; diligent, dependable and faithful laborers in service to the Kingdom of God. What parishioner will ever forget and not appreciate all of the funeral luncheons Pat coordinated?
Pat was a devout regular at Mass and other church services like the rosary, benediction, Stations of the Cross and the Triduum. She testified to her faith by how she lived her life. She wasn’t afraid to call a person out if they needed some Christian guidance. Pat was a rare blend of both Mary and Margaret in the Bible, good works and prayer.
Dear Wilkinson family, I have only scratched the surface of my respect and love for your beloved, Pat.
Arlene and I are sorry for the hurt you are feeling, but we know that you can’t help but be joyful for her now as she joins Bruce, her family and friends at the heavenly banquet table, a place that she didn’t earn, but that our Heavenly Father has prepared for her because of His Love for Pat and through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His Son. I do hope, however, that pheasant under glass is not on the banquet menu, or God will hear about it! May our eternal Father bless and keep you all, in Jesus name. Amen.
Shari Daniels says
My sincerest condolences to the families. Thanks pat for leading me into my teaching career.
Eilleen Wilcoxon says
I always enjoyed visiting with Pat.
A very sweet lady.
Margarett Campbell says
Pat was a fine lady in every way. She was a premier educator and worked hard to make more teachers. She encouraged students, prodded them and made sure they knew they were capable. She and Bruce were dear friends with my Uncle Malcolm Campbell and in the 90s I got to know them both and they took me in and made me feel welcome. Journey well Pat your work here is done. Bruce is ready to hug you♡
Curtis Courchene says
Little Miss Dynamite 💐💎 Cadillac
Art Loendorf says
what a deep sadness to know that we will never see her at church when we happened to be up there
I can still hear her infectionas laugh she will be deeply missed
Sandra and I are sorry we will not be able to be with you tomorrow but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers
Asmita Sabale says
Grandma Rose as she was fondly called , compasionate and adorable, loving human being, darling angel. The only picture I remember is of a lovely smiling grandma. I find myself very privileged to have spent lovely memorable moments with her during my short stay at Wolfpoint. So generously bestowed her love upon all whom she met. We bonded instantly the moment we first met. Can’t forget her welcoming sweet smile then. Grandma made us feel so special with all her blessings, sweet talks, queries on Indian style of living, ordering vegan pizza for dinner and teaching us to play cuddy. I found in her a mix of modern and traditional grandma quiet similar to Indian grandma. Now her love and affection will always be cherished as fond memories. Miss you grandma.
Akshata Sabale says
My fond memories of Grandma Rose is a beautiful lady with sweet contagious ravishing welcoming friendly smile. We bonded instantly and the motherly love and affection she bestowed on me and my family is unforgettable. My short stay at Wolfpoint in 2020 has been memorable playing ludo with grandma. I remember when I won the game of ludo she commented Vijeta for being a good coach. Grandma was like that complimenting and appreciating your work. Oh how can I forget the spark she had in her eyes which said it all when I gifted her with an orange colloured Indian silk saree and drapted her. How beautiful and adorable she looked in it. I am happy that she liked it so much….she could not stop touching it. Even after my return to India her hand written letters full of love gave a picture of what is happening in Wolfpoint in and around her like the smallest details that it is windy or we had a snowfall, Aarini becoming quiet a little girl from a toddler. Just recently I happened to chat with her on video call arranged by dearest Erin .. grandma was so full of life then and looking forward to our reunion at Wolfpoint again this year. I was so overwhelmed and touched with this gesture ….positive spirit in her. She will remain as a sweet mother grandma and great grandma in my memories for ever…..being at Wolfpoint will never be the same again …you not there. Happy and blessed to have met an Angel like her who bestowed such love and affection on me and my family…so grateful to her. We will miss you.
Steven and Patty Berge says
Thinking of all of you as you celebrate Pat’s life. A lady of indomitable spirit. She made an incredible impact on everyone that had the privilege to know her.
At one time, Steven, because of health issues, was placed on the prayer list for the Catholic Church. After a few weeks, Pat witnessed him having lunch with friends at the cafe. She said, “I can see we can take YOU off the list.”
Jason, Nyoka says
Wilkinson Family, sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, she was such a wonderful person. Reading through all the thoughts and memories posted on this page, it is obvious that she touched many lives in a blessed way. Take care and prayers.
Sherrill Dolezilek says
We were late hearing about Pat’s death. It came as a real shock, it seemed like she would go on forever. We had such fun in the years we were in Wolf Point and have kept touch at times, not often enough! She was a person to love, to laugh with, and to share our faith with in those days together. She grew smaller in size, but larger in heart! My condolences to all the kids and grandkids, you have lost someone very special. I’m sure she is watching over all of us!
Gail Green says
My first memory of Pat was of her wisdom. I was a young single mother with two very young little boys who disappeared during church while I was engaged in the service. Upon realizing they were gone they had belly scooted under the pews several rows forward. I was new here and very very embarrassed! After church Pat came right over and reassured me with her kind and joyful words. I knew it was okay!
I knew Pat as my sons’ teacher and through church. I was very involved in music: services and funerals. Pat was wonderful.
I remember her daughter Tacy the most. Just today I discovered your mother joined our heavenly home. I am sure my son Shaun greeted her too. She touched lives. My love to you all from Helena.