M. “Patty” Maguire

05/18/1935 – 09/01/2013
Patty Maguire, age 78 of Bellingham, passed away from ovarian cancer on September 1, 2013. She was born May 18, 1935 in Seattle to Harold and Marguerite Duffy. She lived between Seattle and Mount Vernon. She met and married Don Nielsen (deceased) in 1953 and they had two children, Larry and Cheryll. After Don passed away in 1968 she went back to school to become an R.N. She worked at both Skagit Valley Hospital and United General Hospital. She married Dr. Richard X. Maguire in 1974 and they lived life to the fullest. After Richard died in 2003 she moved to Bellingham to be near her daughter and her family. She was so happy to watch her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. Patty is survived by her daughter Cheryll (Gary) Peterson, son Larry Nielsen, sister Megan Terry (JoAnn), 6 grandchildren, Sky (Robin), Hannah and Carl Nielsen, Travis (Rina), Tyson (Angie) and Trent Peterson and 5 great-grandchildren whom she cherished. She is also survived by her childhood friend Marguerite Matusak and a very special friend Linda Kennedy who meant the world to her and her family. Mom was small but strong and she knew when it was time to say goodbye. She was only going to do it her way and she did. Mom, your family and friends will always miss you and love you. We will see you again someday. The family and friends want to thank Hospice and their staff for all the wonderful care and support and a special thank you to Karen Weitzel who went above and beyond for her and the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice. Services will be held at a later date.