Patricia (Clark) Mullen

Patricia (Clark) Mullen

November 12, 1942 to June 3, 2025

Age 82, of Saint Paul

Patty Mullen passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, after a few days filled with love, stories, and quiet goodbyes from those who held her most dear.

Patty was born and raised in Saint Paul, in the South Saint Anthony neighborhood, just down the street from Saint Cecilia’s. She was the second youngest of six children. She attended Saint Cecilia Catholic Elementary School, graduated from Saint Joseph’s Academy, and later studied at the University of Minnesota.

On September 19, 1970, she married James Mullen. Together they raised four children: James, Elizabeth, Patrick, and Michael. They were married for 43 years until Jim’s passing in 2013.

Patty was a loving wife, an adoring mother, and a devoted grandmother. These were the roles she cherished most. She had a special bond with each of her children and found deep purpose in caring for her family. Even though the past three years brought physical challenges, she remained determined to stay at home. That mattered to her. Being home with Jimmy and Elizabeth was where her heart truly lived.

Though she had only one grandchild, he had her heart from the very beginning. She doted on James to anyone willing to listen. One of her most cherished memories was chasing him around the house, calling out with a smile, “Grandma Monster’s going to get you!”

For over 50 years, Patty made her home in the Merriam Park neighborhood, where she took great pride in being a good neighbor. She loved being outdoors, tending to her garden, mowing the lawn, and shoveling the walk well into her late 70s.

She adored her siblings and treasured the unique closeness they shared throughout their lives. That same love extended to her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, with whom she was deeply involved. She always showed up for birthdays, graduations, weddings, and concerts. A proud aunt and great-aunt, she never missed a chance to celebrate with her family.

She had a quiet strength and generous heart. She loved to read and travel, especially annual trips to the North Shore and adventures with Jim, the kids, her sister Kathy, or any family member who wanted to join to places like Ireland and Alaska.

Patty loved the holidays. Whether it was Christmas Eve at the Opatz house, Christmas Day at Kathy’s, St. Patrick’s Day parades, or jazz festivals, she embraced every opportunity to gather with family. She was known for mailing Valentine’s Day cards and offering a treat such as cookies, donuts, or whatever was nearby to anyone who stopped by.

Patty will be remembered for her devotion to family, her infectious laugh, and the small, meaningful ways she made others feel loved.

Preceded in death by husband James, son Michael, parents John and Elizabeth Clark, and siblings Jack Clark, Virginia Fobes, Mary Marble, Margaret Opatz, and Kathy Clark. Survived by children James, Elizabeth, Patrick (Arji), grandson James, dog Bailey, cousins Sr. Mary Ellen Ward and John Ward (Donna), and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends, all of whom she adored.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 9 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Ave., Saint Paul, and also one hour prior to the Mass at church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, June 10 at 10:00 AM at Church of Saint Cecilia, 2357 Bayless Place, Saint Paul.

Luncheon to follow at the church.

Burial at 1:00 PM at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.