Patricia Marie Bauernfeind
Patricia Marie (Dailey) Bauernfeind, age 75, died Jan. 10, 2015 at her log home in Montana City. Pat desired to die at her beloved home, so her family cared for her during the last days of her illness and were present when she drew her last breath. She courageously battled ovarian cancer that was first diagnosed and successfully treated in 1997, and then returned again in 2012.
Pat was born Jan. 2, 1940 in Burlington, Iowa to Edward W. and Florence W. (Sebolt) Dailey. She grew up in Burlington, Iowa at 403 Court Street and graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1958. She came to Helena, Montana by train in 1959 and attended Carroll College.
Pat met John P. Bauernfeind at Carroll College and they married in 1961. They later divorced. Pat is survived by three children born to this union: Sarah Marie Bauer (Eric Boysen), Michael John Bauernfeind and Joseph John (Linda) Bauer.
As a young girl she dreamed of living in the mountains in a log cabin. She accomplished this dream in 1978 when she built a log home on land purchased in the 1960’s at Montana City. She cooked hundreds of burgers over a wood fire in the fire pit in her backyard for guests. She cut her own firewood and tended a huge raspberry patch and nursed geraniums through the long Montana winter to put them on her porch again in summer.
She loved the outdoors and road trips exploring Montana. Yellowstone Park was a very special place to Pat and she loved sharing it with her grandchildren. After a German Shorthair Pointer named Tally adopted Pat and later had puppies, the dogs were often included in the road trips. Pat is survived by beloved pets Sally and Steel, Tally’s puppies.
She had a special place in her heart for the Mississippi River. She spent many hours on the river with her father and at her grandfather’s cabin. She also looked forward to annual outings on the Missouri River and the Gates of the Mountains.
Pat worked as Executive Secretary to the Attorney General Mike Greeley for 12 years where she formed life-long friendships. Prior to that she worked as a Judiciary Committee secretary during the legislative sessions in 1973 – 1975. Most recently Pat was self-employed as a medical transcriptionist for Dana Hillyer, APRN and Dr. Robert Caldwell, both of whom she held in high esteem. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dana and Bob for their support and guidance in caring for Pat during the final days of her life.
In 1988 Pat purchased a quarter horse mare, Tara Bonanza Bar. She later bred Tara to a Morgan stallion and had two colts, “Babe” and “Angelo”. She attended several Parelli Natural Horsemanship Clinics, participated in the local Back Country Horseman Club, and belonged to the AQHA. Pat was a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party. She trained to be a Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteer.
Survivors include her children, her grandchildren, 3 brothers, and 6 sisters including the sister she had the closest relationship with, Shean Dailey Kovach. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pat was preceded in death by her mother Florence, her step-mother Mary Jane Dailey, her father Edward W. Dailey, two brothers Gregory Melland and John Francis and one sister Katherine Jeanne.
A memorial service celebrating Patricia’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will immediately follow the memorial service in the social hall at the funeral home. Memorials in Patricia’s name may be made to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604.
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Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday January 15, 2015
Anderson Stevenson WIlke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Thursday January 15, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday January 15, 2015
Anderson Stevenson WIlke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Thursday January 15, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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joanne bauer says
Dear family, Your mother and sister was a lovely person. As my first cousin I remember our times together. May she rest in peace. My prayers are with you I know you will miss her. Love, Joanne
Vicki Wilham says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will miss Pat. She was such a good friend. We had many great cross country ski trips together. Float trips too. May she rest in peace. Bless you all. Vicki
Lynn James says
Pat was our neighbor for 30 years. She was a strong and independent woman, cutting her own firewood, hauling hay for her horses, mending fences and any other chore that needed attention. We had a gathering at our house once and Pat brought the turkey–that she had roasted using her woodstove!
Every Christmas Pat made homemade chocolate covered bon bons for her lucky neighbors. She taught my daughter and me how to make them, but we never could produce results like Pat. One bite of one of her bon bons and there was an instant party in your mouth!
Tara, the horse mentioned in the obituary, foaled one year when our kids were growing up. We watched everyday for her baby, and sure enough, one morning on the way to school, we spotted the new addition to the neighborhood. I think that is my favorite memory of Pat….she really loved her horses, and all of her animals.
Some years ago, Pat strung Christmas lights outside her house…she tossed them over tree branches and while they looked a bit random, they perked up the drive home. She decided to just leave them up all year because she liked them so much. I loved those lights and will miss them. Last night they were on when we drove by her house, and I was comforted. I will miss our neighbor and will always be grateful to her for her role in our finding a beautiful little piece of Montana to make a home.
Tom Dailey says
Pat was my oldest sister. She was with little doubt the strongest woman I ever met. She moved to Montana on her own, she raised her children on her own (each one a resounding success in their own unique styles), she built her home on her own, she lived her own life as she saw fit right down to the thousands of pots of beans she cooked on her wood burning stove. In the end she went to the the Father in her own way. She was a leader not a follower. She never lost sight of who she was or from wence she came. She seemed to revel in and embrace her true and God given femininity and never saw it as a hindrence to any of her accomplishments. She is, always has been and will continue to be a great roll model and heroine for me. I will never let my daughters go withough knowing about their Aunt Patricia Marie Bauernfeind and the truly great accomplishments she acheived.
Gloria Davis says
I am so sorry for your loss. Pat was a very special person. I worked with her at the Attorney General’s office for quite sometime. Once you saw through her bossy exterior you had a lifetime friend. I’m going to miss you Pat.
James P Dailey says
Pat was a shelter in a storm. Her log cabin was a place of beauty.
As a child, our entire family stopped for a couple of days on our way to Iowa. All of my brothers and I remember the place and Pat with a reverence. Years later I stopped by for a visit, in between my own wanderings, and again with my wife and our first child a few years ago. I loved our – all too brief and far apart- conversations about family, politics, and life in general.
One email exchange with Pat ends with this msg from her:
“Am on my way out the door but just had to answer your query! Am hoping to get in some x-country skiing this weekend. Will have to go to where the snow is but it is supposed to be a bit more mellow this weekend and there are pockets of wonderful snow around! Am on the run. Catch you later. Love ya, Pat”
That to me was Pat – in search of that next amazing view, or pocket of beauty, always on the go.
– James P Dailey, SEATTLE WA
(Son of James H Dailey, cousin to Pat)
Marina Little says
Sarah, Mike, Joe – My thought and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Take Care.
Perrie White says
My prayers are with you. Pat was a lovely lady and well liked by all.
Ellen M Dailey says
God Bless Patricia her children Sarah Mike and Joe and spouses and Grandchildren:
I will miss Pat and carry many memories in my heart. Having lived in Montana in Missoula for 9 plus years. During these years Pat never seemed to amaze me at her talents, hobbies and determination. I also was privileged to share in her many family birthday parties, travels, and move to Helena . Pat also tried to establish fun traditions. Eating a 20 scope ice cream cone once a year, to square dancing, clam chowder for Christmas dinner, and giant Christmas trees with lots of lights. SO LONG my dear sister of the mountains.
My heart experiences bitter joy for you. FREE to LIVE, Free to BE FREE to LOVE.
(I think Sarah may have a copy of the 20 scope ice cream cone if you are amazed at Pats ice cream dream.) I love you and will continue to have masses and prayers said for you and all your family. See you in heaven . LOVE Ellen M. Dailey
Brogger Family says
Sarah, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family with the loss of your mom. Reading the story of her life we now know where your spunk came from. Take Care
Brendan Dailey says
I will miss you Pat! She is by and far one of the most independent and adventurous spirits I have ever met. I will miss those cowboy burgers she made in the fire pit outside the log house…REGARDLESS of the weather! 🙂 We shared a deep love of the outdoors and I loved her stories of her floats down the river. She gave me a lot of suggested floats and that I should come back in the summer to do them. I was always amazed that she was still living the same independent life she had always lived. I will tell my two girls of Pat and I hope instill some of the freedom in which she lived her life. I admired her tremendously, and will think of her whenever I’m on my own wilderness adventures.
Anna Salini says
My heart and prayers go out to this special lady. She was a neighbor for many years and boarded my horses on her property for a lot of those years. She joined the Back country horseman and did a lot of volunteer work. Loved her Christmas bon bons. Even when I moved away she would bring them to me in town. Oh yummy. They were so good. She even came by to drop off some gifts I gave her from a trip to Italy once. She wanted me to give them to my grandchildren as memories. Pat I kept them and they are still at my house. I will miss you. It was fun trying to get you to ride Tara, then Babe, I never saw you ride Angelo. Lots of memories of you. It was so great when we both became grandmothers we never decided who got there first. Rest In Peace Pat the memories of you will be forever in everyone’s hearts.
Debbie Hurni says
My heart goes out to all of you who knew Pat and was privileged enough to eat a hamburger grilled on Pat’s cast iron pan in her fire pit or get a taste of her homemade ice cream. She was an amazing woman whom I always enjoyed. Her cabin/home was a delight and anyone visiting her felt warm and welcome. My husband Neal and I invited her to our Sapphire mine a couple of years back but she never made the trip. I will always have found memories of Pat and her awesome smile, heart warming stories and dangling earrings. God bless and may you all find comfort in knowing we will see Pat again.
Jim Dailey says
We have lost a brave and independent gracious lady of the mountains. Cousin Pat who I grew up with in Burlington set her sites high and never seem to lack determination and resolve to achieve all that she set out to do. From moving to Montana, buying the acreage on the mountain to building her home, caring for horses and all animals she was a amazing woman. Although she lost her last battle I am sure she faced it with the same determination and resolve she faced all adversities in her life. We will miss her spirit and friendly soft voice but have many memories of her life in Burlington, fishing in the streams of Montana and enjoying this truly remarkable women. She will be missed.
Rita, Larry, Brent and Katie Vennard says
Dear, Dear Patty,
Remember that great weekend in San Francisco! You, Brent and I traveled from Sacramento and you were the first to catch the perfume of the ocean salt air. We all saw that great ocean at the same time and finally found a road to a solitary beach. We loved that ocean! AAHH then Fishermen’s Warf, with the pungent fresh baked real sourdough, lobsters off the boat, just boiled, a hunk of cheese and we were in heaven – almost. We topped it off with that famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory -10 scoop ice cream dessert – now we were in heaven!
My children loved those books you sent, they were perfect! My sweet little Katie would carry her book with her everywhere. Sitting on the green, soft grass under the sugar maple, she would open that world you gave her. So content, so proud as she turned the pages and we read.
You touched all of our lives. Peace is with you as I know the Lord has you in his graces and is holding your hand. We love you!
David Dailey says
Cousin Pat was the perfect blend of gentle and strong, always.
She made her own way all through her life and is a model for us all.
Her great, unfailing kindness to her Aunt Margaret, my mother, is something that will always be with me. Pat understood the need to stay connected despite time and distance, and stay connected she did to our great benefit.
Condolences to Sarah, Mike, Joe and their loved ones, and thanks for sharing their wonderful mom with all her extended family and her many, many friends everywhere.
Michele Stoos Cottrill says
Sarah, Mike & Joe – so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed chatting with Pat when I saw her. Take Care.
Susan Bauernfeind Russell says
The tributes to Pat that I have been reading speak with such clarity about her character and strength and determination. I would like to honor her unfailing faith in the value of life in a world she found so beautiful, one with so much to offer even in the face of pain, loss and incredible hardship. Pat had a limitless generosity of spirit toward others at the merest of contact, whether months or years having elapsed. Pat was my forever sister-in-law, and so loved by my parents, Walter and Carrie Bauernfeind, whose hearts, I know, were in those lavender flowers. I was fortunate enough to have the chance to tell Pat before Christmas that she was my hero, had always been. She was hoping to make a trip to Miami this month and we talked about making a run to the Keys, a repeat from long ago. Not to be. Oh, no, not to be. I shall remember a woman of such great substance and grace and know that she lives on in the wind of the mountains, the clear streams, the sturdy trees of the forest, but mostly in her magnificent children, Sarah, Mike, and Joe.
Jeanette Barnes says
My family lived near Pat for a number of years and she was a wonderful neighbor and friend. In my mother’s later years Pat was especially kind to her and the two of them took several road trips together. My mom really enjoyed those outings. I always enjoyed visiting with Pat. She had a wonderful spirit and love of life. It’s hard to take in and my thoughts and prayers are with her children and siblings.
Bill morton says
Sarah, Mike And Joe, I’m so sorry I missed your mom’s funeral.
I am out of town in Nevada. My memories of Pat are all good. From blake st toMissoula to Montana city.I don’t get see you enough. miss Pat already. all my love.
JACKIE JOHNSON says
So enjoyed visiting with Pat …… She was a wonderful person….Am thankful I gave her the chair she use to sit on when she came over for lunch at my parents home in Burlington…. She was a very special cousin…..Love and Prayers Cousin Jackie..
Mary Dorothy Dailey Knott says
Dear Family, So sorry at the loss of your Mother. We were first cousins, growing up in Burlington, IA. I am so happy I was able to visit with Pat at Brendan Dailey’s wedding in WA. She always wanted my husband, Howard, and I to come to visit her in Montana, we never got there. Our prayers are with all. Mary and Howard
Shean Dailey Kovach says
All of the comments about my sister are so true, regarding building her dream home and living a full and independent life. However, her most important legacy are her three children, Sarah, Mike and Joe. They are three of the most amazing people I have ever met.She always was and always will be a hero of mine.
Donna Mix says
I’m very sorry to learn of Pat’s death. It seems a very short time ago that I saw her at Costco, although we were across the store from each other and I was leaving, so we didn’t get to talk. Pat was an interesting, talented, determined woman. I worked closely with her for eight years or so at the AG’s Office; I knew her well during that time, although we lost touch when she left that office. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family. She was so proud of all of you! Treasure your memories of Pat, her compassion, and her great smile!