Patricia J Brissette

Patricia J Brissette (Patty McGovern) was born in St Paul, MN on February 24, 1928. She passed away peacefully, February 6, 2024. Her parents, Sylvester and Helen McGovern, had four children: Thomas, Margaret Elaine, James, and Patty (the youngest). She is survived by her daughters, Katherine Vye and Teresa Herzog. Also survived by Granddaughter, Shannon Foreman and husband James Foreman & their two children, Gilliana & Savannah. (Not to mention her St Paul McGovern family; her nieces & nephews for whom she kept the music playing). The St. Cecilia's community

may remember her as their innovative choir director & voice at weddings & funerals.

Patty was a prolific musician; voice and piano were her instruments. She was a musical composer and lyricist of children's songs, jazz compositions, hymns and scores for children's musicals.

Her early musical career took off in 1950 when she joined the singing group, the Honey Dreamers as a lead singer. She was married to broadcaster, Leigh Kamman. Together they honed their respective careers in New York. Patty and the Honey Dreamers played hotels, nightclubs, theaters & live TV. Guest TV spots included appearances with Mel Tormé and the Eddie Fisher & Perry Como Shows. Later she did a solo Atlantic record, "Wednesday's Child"( arranger, Tom Talbert) (also a Minnesotan).

Patty settled in Wisconsin with her husband & artist, Duane Brissette in the 1980's. They formed lifelong bonds with caring friends in the Sauk City-Prairie Du Sac communities. In 2003, she collaborated with singer Marita Kelter on a CD titled, No Way 'Round Love. She also taught children piano in Sauk for many years.

Widowed in 2018, she moved home to Minnesota to be near family.

As her Minnesota song says: "Though her children grow strong from sun & snow and may go far; they soon come home to the heartland, the northern star."

A private celebration of life will be held later in the year.