Patricia Kathryn Piper, 81, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, died on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, at Cottagewood Senior Community in Rochester.

Pat was born in Delavan, Minnesota, on July 16, 1934, to C.I. “Spike” and Geneva (Tibodeau) Piper. She grew up in Blue Earth and graduated from Blue Earth High School in 1952. Pat graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the College of St. Teresa in Winona, Minnesota. She earned her Master’s degree in Religious Education from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Pat was a Franciscan Sister for 22 years, who was a primary teacher and taught grade school at St. Augustine in Austin, St. Francis in Rochester, and several other parishes in Southern Minnesota. She also taught courses at Riverland College in Austin. Pat was the director of the Christian Education Center in Austin from 1968-1994.

In 1982, Pat was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives and won re-election in 1984. In 1986, she was elected to the Minnesota Senate and served there until 2001.

Pat cared deeply for children, the homeless, the poor and downtrodden. She was a great speaker who was humbled by her numerous invitations to speak at events.

Pat is survived by her siblings: Paul Piper of Minneapolis, Paulette Schwen of Apple Valley, Pierre Piper of Minneapolis, Preston (Lois) Piper of Minneapolis, Paige (Betsy) Piper of Virginia; sister-in-law, Marinez Soares Piper of Brazil; along with many nieces and nephews.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents; sister Tressa Piper OSF; brothers: Padric and Philip Piper; grandparents: Oliver and Mary Tibodeau, and Irving and Katherine Piper.

A funeral mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin with Fr. Jim Steffes officiating. Visitation will start at 12 p.m. at the church until the time of the mass. Burial will follow the mass at Calvary Cemetery in Austin.

Memorials in Pat’s name may be made to the Minnesota-North Dakota Alzheimer’s Association, 7900 W. 78th St., Ste. 100, Minneapolis, MN 55439, or the Sisters of Saint Francis Assisi Heights, 1001 14th St NW Rochester, MN 55901-2525. Mayer Funeral Home in Austin is entrusted with Pat’s arrangements. Online Condolences – www.mayerfh.com.