Patricia Dorn Jaffray

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Jaffray, Patricia Dorn Patricia Dorn Jaffray died on January 23rd at age 78 from pneumonia and related complications. She was born in New York City on July 23, 1931 and was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest F. and Virginia Dorn. Few could match Pat's boundless energy and commitment to family, the community and friends. Her philanthropic and leadership contributions to Minneapolis span almost 60 years and continued until just a few weeks ago. Pat received the Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine Twin Citian Volunteer Hall of Fame Award in 1998. After attending Smith College, Pat's early Board involvement included Abbott Hospital and Chairman of the Board of the Minneapolis Chapter of the American Red Cross, at which time she was also Chairman of the Resolution Committee of the National Red Cross. She was also involved in the United Way in Chairing the Allocation Health Panel for two years. Pat also served on the Board of the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation. She served two terms on the Board of the Minnesota International Center. Pat's major interests were the Minnesota Orchestral Association and the Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts. She was elected to five three-year terms on the MOA Board including stints on the Executive Committee. She was President of the Junior WAMSO Board, a Symphony Ball Chairman and a Co-Chairman, Chairman of the Maestro Circle and participated in a myriad of committees. At the Art Institute, she was a Trustee from 1995-2001, a leader of The Friends of the Institute where she was President from 1957-59. She was Chairman of the first Art in Bloom which now celebrates its most successful 24 year history. She chaired a Fashion Show and has been Program Chairman. Another great love of Pat's was gardening. She has been President of both the Lake Minnetonka and Wayzata Garden Clubs and served on various Garden Club of America committees. Her most recent passion is the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum where she has served on the Board since 2004 and currently, as Nominating Committee Chairman. In education, Pat was President of the Northrop and Blake Middle School PTA's. Her latest honor was election to the Board of the University of St. Thomas - an involvement that could not have been more special to her. Almost above all, Pat is known as the ultimate hostess. Her culinary and flower arranging skills so often demonstrated at her elegant and formal dinner parties are legendary. Her mega collection of "Angels" that emerge at Christmas are an important tradition for all. Pat's love of travel, golf, exercise, bridge and books has added a special dimension to her life. Pat is survived by her husband, Ben, children, Linda Comstock, Scott (Michelle) & Kelsey, Michael Thorpe, Tim (Diane) Thorpe, Molly, Megan & Thomas, Laura Thorpe (Eric Bergerson), Bjorn & Sage, Lucy (Louie) McKee, Lilly & Bridget; step-mother, Beverlee Dorn; four Jaffray step-children, David (Mary) Ben & Peter, John (Allyson Rudy) Chris (Laura) & Anna, Robert (Tori) Henry, Draper (Molly) William, Sally & Dorothy, and siblings, Ernie (Mary) Dorn, Michael (Linda) Dorn, Judy (Joe) Heslin, Ginger (Chris) Michaels and Gretchen (Tom), Anderson; along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends. The family wishes to thank the doctors and critical care nurses at Abbott Northwestern Heart Hospital for the wonderful care they gave Patricia during her short illness. Pat's family prefers memorials be made to the Patricia Dorn Jaffray Memorial Fund at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 30th, 10:30 a.m. at The Church of St. Bartholomew, 630 East Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata. David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577

Published on January 24, 2010