Patricia Helen Bennett, age 79, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, at Franciscan Health Center, surrounded by the love of her family.

Patricia was born on April 25, 1947, to George and Helen Bengtson. She was a proud graduate of Hermantown High School, Class of 1965, and continued her education at the University of Minnesota Duluth, graduating in 1969. On December 23, 1967, she married the love of her life, William Paul Bennett, beginning a partnership that would span nearly six decades and create a family that became the center of her world.

Pat was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and friend. She began her teaching career in the Duluth School District, where she taught music and art at Lowell and Birchwood schools from 1969 to 1974. She later dedicated 17 years to special education at Hermantown Middle School. Pat had a special gift for connecting with students who needed the most support and devoted much of her time and energy to helping them succeed. Her patience, compassion, and belief in every student's potential left a lasting impact on countless children, families, and colleagues.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She was the proud mother of Michael (Kris) Zagelmeyer and Michelle (Mike) Sweeney, and she treasured every moment spent with her six beloved granddaughters: Bailey, Madison, Kenzie, and Jordyn Zagelmeyer, and Mikayla and Megan Sweeney. Pat rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her grandchildren from the sidelines and took immense pride in watching them compete in sports. She also loved supporting her son and daughter in their coaching careers, celebrating their successes and encouraging them every step of the way.

To her granddaughters, she was simply "Gramma." Her grandchildren were her world, and nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with them. Gramma was always ready for a game of Zingo, Old Maid, or Go Fish, and she never passed up an opportunity to sit down and play, laugh, teach, and create memories together. Countless Bomb Pops were enjoyed on warm summer days, and countless snowflakes were cut, folded, and proudly displayed through the years. Gramma created a home filled with love, learning, laughter, and belonging. No one ever left her house without a full belly, a warm heart, and the reassurance that they were deeply loved. The memories she created with her granddaughters will remain among their most treasured gifts and will continue to bring smiles for generations to come.

One of the great highlights of Pat's life was following her daughter Michelle throughout the United States during her softball career with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Whether traveling near or far, she loved being in the stands, cheering her daughter on and sharing in the experiences and friendships that came with those adventures.

Pat also loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing with her son, Michael. Fishing was one of the great joys they shared together, and some of their most treasured

memories were made on the waters of Bad Vermilion Lake in Mine Centre, Ontario, at family gatherings on Lake Edward in Brainerd, Minnesota, and during a memorable fishing trip to Alaska. Summers at Bad Vermilion were among Pat's happiest times, filled with fishing and laughter with her family. In earlier years, she also enjoyed fishing with her brother-in-law, Bob Sundland at Lake Edward. Those days on the water with family became some of Pat's most cherished memories.

Throughout her life, Pat was a steadfast supporter of others. Whether she was encouraging a student, cheering for her children and grandchildren from the stands, or celebrating the accomplishments of those she loved, she found genuine joy in helping others succeed. She spent her life showing up for the people she loved — for her students, her children, her grandchildren, and her family. Her encouragement, kindness, and unwavering belief in others will remain one of the greatest gifts she leaves behind.

Pat will be remembered for her loving heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel valued, supported, and loved, and her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Helen Bengtson; and her sister, Ardell (Bengtson) Sundland.

Patricia is survived by her husband of 58 years, William Paul Bennett; her son, Michael (Kris) Zagelmeyer; her daughter, Michelle (Mike) Sweeney; her six granddaughters, Bailey, Madison, Kenzie, Jordyn, Mikayla, and Megan; and many other relatives and friends who will deeply miss her.

A funeral service celebrating Patricia's life will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sunrise Funeral Home.

Though she is no longer with us, the love she shared, the lessons she taught, and the memories she created will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.