Patricia Ann Maijala, age 89, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, was born August 11, 1936, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Clarence and Lois (DeChambeau) Bissell. She grew up in West Duluth and graduated from Denfeld High School in 1954.

Pat married her high school sweetheart, James Maijala, on June 28, 1958. They later welcomed their son, Joseph, and in 1993 built their dream retirement log home overlooking Bluewater Lake in Grand Rapids. Their neighbors, the Thompson and Wilkus families, became cherished friends and their adopted family. Though she had no grandchildren of her own, Pat was lovingly embraced by generations of Thompson and Wilkus children and became known as "Grandma Bluewater."

Pat enjoyed camping, boating, and traveling throughout the United States and Canada with Jim in their RV. Summers were spent at the lake boating, fishing and entertaining friends and family. She also loved baking, sewing, and gardening.

Pat passed away peacefully at home on January 30, 2026, overlooking Bluewater Lake as the sun set on a beautiful day.

She is survived by her son, Joseph (Mahdi Rezaei); nieces Sherri (Jim) Congleton, Carie Bucci, and Laura (Rick) Holt; nephew Tim Landgren; grand-nephew Zach Bissell (Carrie Poehler); and sister-in-law Geraldine Bissell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents; her brothers, Bob and Gerry; and her sister, Kay.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hailey, Breeze, Natalie, and the staff of St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care in Pat's final days. A celebration of Pat's life will be held in early spring.