Angela "Annie" Mae Patnode

Annie Patnode, 34, of Bemidji, MN passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 22, 2025 in her home.

Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at St. Philip’s Catholic Church with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m.  Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 29, 2025 at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Bemidji. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Bemidji.

Angela “Annie” Mae Patnode was born on October 9, 1990 to Jean and Charlie Patnode.  Annie grew up in Bemidji with her parents and older siblings, Jennifer, Kristine, and David.  She attended Bemidji area schools where she graduated.  At a young age, Annie was diagnosed with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS), a rare chromosomal disorder.  Annie spent her formative years in her childhood home and was incredibly proud to be able to move into her very own place in 2014 where she received amazing care from her REM and LSS staff.

Annie was a force of unconditional and uncomplicated love.  If you had the honor of ever meeting Annie, she was sure to leave you with a hug and an “I love you,” and she meant it.  Annie's unbridled love for people, especially her family members, is something that cannot be described with words.  Annie did not judge, she truly bestowed love and laughter to all.  Annie’s boisterous laugh was contagious and unforgettable.  While some of Annie’s challenges kept us all on our toes, her honesty and zest is what kept life full of hilarity and entertainment.  There wasn’t a moment spent with Annie that didn’t leave you without a series of belly laughs worthy of calling it a solid ab workout.  Annie deemed herself the premier socialite of the neighborhood while growing up in Arrowwood Circle.  She would float from home to home like a social butterfly, getting the dish on the lives of the people that surrounded her with love.  Annie had a true gift for connection, especially with those she held dear. Her talent for online chatting made it clear how much she valued staying close. She didn’t just treasure her own friends, she embraced her parents’ and siblings’ friends as her own, considering them among her very best.  Annie’s passions were evident not only in her ability to make those around her laugh with joy but in her hobbies and passions as well.  When you entered Annie’s home, or “Annie’s world,” you were immersed into an environment of perler beads, puzzles, movies, coloring sheets, and every possible coloring apparatus known to man.  Annie was a certified coloring sheet expert, being able to choose the right gel pen or marker to finish her masterpieces.  She was a perler bead enthusiast, creating pieces of art that I’m sure many people have on their refrigerator or hanging on a window.  Annie crushed puzzles like a pro, effortlessly snapping pieces into place as if it were child’s play.  On any given day, Annie would engage in any of these favorite hobbies, and if you were to visit, you better be ready to do the same.  But while she enjoyed all of these things, she did them while becoming an unknown top rated movie buff.  She was able to juggle all of her hobbies, while quietly rising through the ranks to become an undercover movie expert, so good, even Hollywood would be taking notes.  Her movie collection rivaled her marker collection.  It was a necessity to pick out just the right movie, even if it was a movie you’ve watched with her dozens of times, that would partner the chosen task of coloring or beading while sipping on a large chocolate shake or mocha frappé (no whip).  Oftentimes, there was more conversation taking place than movie watching, coloring or beading.  Annie could talk for eternity about the actors, their real names, what other movies they were in, and the plethora of famous quotes that became a common language amongst our family.  We would often greet each other with a “Hellooooo!” as Mrs. Doubtfire exclaims.  Just one quote from The Sandlot, “You’re killin’ me, Smalls!” was enough to lift Annie’s spirits every time.  But nothing compares with the wittiness of Grandpa Gustafson in Grumpier Old Men when he said, “I just like that story.”  The number and intricacy of the stories Annie could recall was nothing short of amazing, each one tucked away like a treasured memory.  She could recall life from any moment in her time with complete clarity and detail.  It was wonderfully astonishing and usually ended up in deep laughter or conversation about her memories.  Anyone who encountered Annie, even if for just a moment, has an “Annie story.”  Her life will be honored and remembered through the stories and memories she leaves behind, each one a testament to the joy and love she brought to us all. Those lucky enough to know her walks away better for it.  However, one of Annie’s most memorable traits was her signature “Annie hugs.” You never parted from her without hearing several heartfelt “I love you’s” and receiving a warm, enveloping and a literal uplifting hug that made you feel truly cherished and with a freshly readjusted spine.  It is those hugs, conversations, and memories that will carry on in everyone that was blessed to know our Annie.

Annie is survived by her loving and dedicated parents, Jean and Charlie Patnode; her devoted siblings, Jennifer (Brad) Trask, Kristine (Luke) Miska, and David Patnode; her grandfather Gordy (Kathy) McClellan; and her treasured nephews, Paysen and Rowan.  She also leaves behind aunts and uncles who adored her dearly.  Among them are Dianne Seyler, Harlan Johnson, Marilyn Patnode, and Patti-Jo McClellan.  A host of cousins that enjoyed her joyful spirit include Jenna (Mark) Zwak, Sarah (Rob) Patnode and their children (Atlas and Max), Amy (Bob) Wangerin, Rudy (Rachel) Patnode and their children (Clain, Grady, Leo, and Riley); Naomi (Kwame) Schwartz, and her son (Kai); Isaac Schwartz; Joshua McClellan; and Kristen McClellan and her son (Oakley).

Annie was predeceased by her grandparents, Paul and Eleanor Patnode and Doris McClellan; her Aunts Mary Patnode and Kathy McClellan Sperber; and her uncles, Jim Seyler, Robert Patnode, and Monsignor Michael Patnode.

Memorial contributions may be made to PRISMS (Parents and Researchers Interested in Smith-Magenis Syndrome), an organization that provided invaluable support and information in honoring and understanding Annie’s unique journey throughout her life.

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