Patricia Ann Breiland

Patricia Ann Breiland, 91, of Duluth, Minnesota passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth.  Pat was born on February 23, 1931, to James and Dora (Lemay) Caldwell in Kerrick, Minnesota.  She was the 5th of 8 siblings.  Although she spent her early years living through the depression, her family home was filled with love and lots of music.  During these years she developed her strong work ethic, extreme independence and love of family that she displayed her entire life.  She moved to Duluth at the age of 12 to attend St. John’s Catholic School and then Cathedral High School where she was crowned the “homecoming queen” her senior year.  She was a beauty, both inside and out! 

After high school she took her first job at Mando Photography and lived at home to help with her younger brothers and sister.  She had numerous jobs during her life and retired from Glass Block Department Store where she worked as a clerk in the drapery department for 21 years.  But even with her many successful jobs, it was always her home and family that were the most important.

In 1949 she was introduced to Donald Breiland, a friend of her brother Jack.  And so began a love story that would last a lifetime!  They were married on May 3, 1952 (also her mother’s birthday!).  This year they celebrated their 70th Anniversary!  Together they had 6 children and now, also have 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren with another on the way!

They made many friends in their lifetime both in Duluth and in Arizona where they spent winters for 33 years.  Pat and Don loved to dance and made many friends square dancing throughout their retirement years.  Pat even sewed their many square-dancing outfits!

Pat’s family was her whole world.  Pat’s husband, kids, grandkids & great grandkids loved and cherished her as much as she did them.  Grammy Pat was extremely kind and made everyone feel special and important.  She truly loved unconditionally. 

Pat is survived by her loving husband, Don; her children (the 6 D’s), Don (Cheryl), Doug (Susan), Diane (Gary), Dale, Debbie (Kyle), and Dori (Dwayne); 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her siblings, Thomas Caldwell, Edward (Mary) Caldwell and Karen (Don) Stenberg, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

Heaven gained the most endearing, kind, compassionate and faithful angel.  We will all miss her terribly, but have the most beautiful memories to help heal the holes in our hearts.

Visitation will be at 10:00am, Wednesday, September 7, 2022 followed by an 11:00am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 151 West Linden St, Duluth. 

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555, please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.