Patricia “Patsy” Mae Borgesen passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family, on September 12, 2021 at the age of 89.
Patsy was born on May 15, 1932 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The fourth of six children, she was raised in Aberdeen by two incredibly gentle parents who led by example: how to be kind and generous with their time and talents. Patsy graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1950. She went on to earn her degree in nursing from St. Luke’s Nursing College in 1953 in Aberdeen.
Her career in nursing is what led her to rekindle her relationship with the man who would be her husband of 65 years, Dr. Paul B. Borgesen. Patsy used her training as a surgical nurse and scrubbed in many times with Paul on their 5 trips to South America as part of Esperança, a hospital boat on the Amazon River. She gave up her scrubs early on and found her true calling as an amazing mother to seven loving children.
Patsy and Paul created a beautiful life together with their large family. Their home on Central Avenue, while never quiet, was a sanctuary for family, friends, dogs, horses, and anyone looking for safe haven. No matter how chaotic their home or lives were, Patsy always exuded grace, love and compassion. She was the epitome of “if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. To know her was to love her. Her passing will leave a void in this world, but heaven is lucky to have her.
Patsy and Paul’s marriage and relationship grew stronger every year. A relationship rooted in a steadfast faith, the two were inseparable. When asked about his wife, Papa says, “Oh, it is a love beyond words. Gram lives in my soul. Simply seeing her is a treat. Her smile, I just love it. It makes me melt.”
Patsy had many passions but her greatest one was her family. She enjoyed doing just about anything alongside her family: hiking, fishing, skiing, hunting, cooking, and riding horses alike. She maintained an active lifestyle even into her later years with weekly Curves workouts. She found joy in the simple things in life, including tending to her rose garden, enjoying a cup of coffee on the front porch in Pinetop, popcorn and wine on the back patio, and playing cards with her friends.
Patsy is survived by her husband Paul Borgesen, children Paul (Beth) Borgesen, Mark Borgesen, Peter (Vicki) Borgesen, Phillip Borgesen, and Julie (Jim) Wentworth, siblings Diane Streitz, Constance Kenyon, and Ann (Dick) Rollins, 13 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her daughters Jane (Tom) Johnston and Mary Beth (Bob) Suiter, parents Irving and Constance Warner, and siblings Irving Warner Jr. and Kathleen Warner.
Visitation will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018, on Friday, September 17, 2021 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm with a Rosary at 6:00pm. Funeral services will be at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 19640 N 35th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85308, on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 10:00am. Her Committal Service will be held at 9:00am on Monday, September 20, 2021 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Cemetery, 23015 N Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85024.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to Hospice of the Valley or St. Vincent De Paul in memory of Patsy Borgesen.
Kaz Tysiac
Our hearts are sadened by the loss of Patsy, her spirit and generosity will not be forgotten. All our love, The Staff of Arizona ENT Physicians PLLC
Laura Jordan
What an appropriate description of this kind-hearted woman. It was always a joy to see Patsy and “Doc” and observe the unabashed love they had for their children and grandchildren. She was the epitome of LOVELY. Heaven gained an angel.
With great affection,
Janet Ayers
Remarkably warm, kind and caring, Patsy was a gift to everyone privileged to know her. I loved being part of her extended family and looked forward to times spent with her. She was one in a million, an exceptional mother, grandmother and friend. I will miss her. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
Posey Nash
Our sincere condolences on the loss of a beautiful soul.
Chuck Post
Patsy was an indispensable part of the surgery team of Dr. Paul Borgeson. Patsy and Paul volunteered for five surgery teams in the Amazon of Brazil, and did so much more to support this mission of care for those isolated and underserved inhabitants. The Christian spirit in action.
Patsy modeled the best of human compassion. How fortunate we all were to have her in our lives.
Regina B Stewart
So sorry to hear of Patsy’s passing. I have grateful memories of her and Dr. Paul, and their beautiful family, especially related to our work in service of Esperanca, the work of care and compassion for the people along the Amazon River in Brazil. My late husband, Dr. Winthrop Stewart, the founding Exec. Dir., and I were so strengthened and encouraged by the significant help and support of Patsy and Dr. Paul. Patsy’s loving spirit continues in all the lives of those dear families who were touched by the ongoing care given just a few years ago. My heartfelt prayers and grateful thoughts to Dr. Paul and family, as you now let her transcend to her perfect place into the heart of God. Much love, Regina Stewart and Family.
Regina B Stewart
Our hearts go out to you Dr. Paul, and your lovely family, as you go through this time of loss, and yet also of deepening sense of how blessed you were in having the love and care of dear Patsy all those years. Our family was also richly blessed by the support we received in our work through Esperanca. She now rests in her perfect place within the heart of God. Our grateful condolences. Regina Stewart and Family.
Melinda Rolle Quinn
What struck me, even as a teenager, hanging out with all the Borgesen kids, was how genuine she was. There was never any doubt how much she cared about her family. Pretty sure there were times I frustrated her. She was straightforward, but always kind. I often found myself thinking how lucky all the kids were to have such a special Mom. I have never forgotten how good she was to me. I am so glad to have known her, even for a short time.
Barbara Danielsen
Paul and family: just today via my sister in law Amalia Salazar in Costa Rica I was told of Patsy’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss and my tardiness in responding. Patsy was always such a gentle caring person and I valued her friendship always. We enjoyed being neighbors in the good old days and shared many fun times along with our families. She will be greatly missed. I send my love to you all.
Barb Danielsen (Salazar)