Patricia Janet Miner

Patricia Janet Strand-Miner was born January 29, 1939, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Howard and Janet Strand (Digby). She was raised in Ellendale, North Dakota, and in 1952 moved with her family to Lakewood, Colorado, later settling in Westminster, Colorado in 1956. She attended Westminster High School, spent one year as a pre-graduate at Colorado State University, and completed her bachelor’s degree in Education at the University of Denver.

Patricia built a life marked by quiet strength, humor, and responsibility. Working with children brought her special joy. She held multiple teaching positions, including substitute teaching in Norfolk, Virginia during Darwin’s military service. She taught

kindergarten at Hunter’s Point Elementary School in San Francisco and later served as a substitute teacher in Broomfield, Colorado. She also worked as a librarian in San Jose.

Later, she worked for the U.S. Postal Service from 1973 to 1994. She brought to each role a conscientious effort, congenial humor and the integrity that defined her.

On May 22, 1964, she married Darwin Miner. Together they raised two daughters, Jennifer Johnson and Hollie Miner. Patricia is also survived by her brother, Douglas Strand, and his wife Kathy and her children. She was preceded in death by her brother, Steven Strand, her cherished grandson Avery Pitcairn (Hollie’s son), and an infant granddaughter, Kendall Johnson (Jennifer and Russell’s daughter). Patricia’s love extended warmly through her family, including her surviving grandchildren in Idaho: Kasey Johnson, Janine Johnson-Hodges (and Garrett), Shay Johnson, and Shelby Johnson. She shared a close relationship with Steven and Lindy Strand’s daughters, April, Tammy (deceased), Crystal and Heather. She is mourned by a large extended family in Colorado, Arizona, the Dakotas, Kansas and California.

Her playful nature and warrior spirit commanded a strong yet graceful presence, especially in the last years with her many ailments and health battles. She inspired, surprised, and surpassed the expectations of so many, including her doctors! Our cherished Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Companion, Patricia found joy in simple, lasting pleasures—reading, and the memory of farm life and riding horses in Ellendale. She loved all animals, but particularly Welsh Corgi dogs and her childhood pet, Lassie.

Music was a bright thread throughout her life: she sang in the choir and delighted in attending live rock and folk music shows with her family, often with her daughter Hollie, including Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Arlo Guthrie, The Kingston Trio, Loreena McKennitt, and other artists throughout the years. A highlight of her youth was meeting Elvis Presley after seeing his Denver show in 1956.

Patricia’s faith remained a guiding light. She attended Life Bridge and Faith Community Lutheran Churches, participating in Church choirs, and living her beliefs with kindness, compassion, nurturing grace and warrior spirit. Her motto was always: “Don’t worry, I’m a Viking!”

Patricia enjoyed her life residing in Longmont, Colorado. She will be remembered with gratitude and respect for her humorous wisdom, her honest heart, her strong spirit, her devoted work, and the enduring care she gave to those fortunate enough to know and love her. To her daughters and family, she was the queen of our lives and is forever loved and etched in our hearts.