Patricia Springhorn Adair

1951 - 2016

Patricia Springhorn Adair, 65

Big Lake

Formerly of Minneapolis and St. Paul

March 9, 1951 - May 30 2016

Patricia Springhorn Adair (nee Patricia Marie Wells) of Big Lake, previously of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Born March 9, 1951, departed May 30, 2016.

Survived by husband Tim Adair; son and daughter-in-law Cory and Cathy Springhorn; grandchildren Sarah, Andrew, and Caitlynne Springhorn; sister and brother-in-law Kathy and John LeMay; best friend Mary Sieracki; and many relatives and friends.

The youngest daughter of Neil and Mary Wells, Patt was born in Minneapolis and attended Annunciation Catholic School and Regina High School, and earned her BS degree from Metropolitan State University. She married her dear friend and soulmate Tim in 1985 and enjoyed a wonderful and fulfilling life with him for over 30 years. Her illustrious career in the field of corrections began in 1977 when she created a parenting program for inmates at the Women's Correctional Facility in Shakopee. She became Program Director at Shakopee before being hired as Executive Director of nonprofit agency Genesis II for Women, then returned to Shakopee in 1989 as Assistant Superintendent before being named Warden at the MN Correctional Facility - Willow River/Moose Lake in 1992, administering the launch of the state's first "Boot Camp" for offenders and overseeing the conversion of the Moose Lake Regional Treatment Center to a medium security prison. In 1995, Patt became the state's first female warden of a high security prison when she was named Warden at the St. Cloud facility, remaining there until her retirement from the DOC in 2011. Patt served on the boards of directors for several nonprofit organizations, including the Jacob Wetterling Foundation, the Boy Scouts of America Central Minnesota Council, and the United Way of Central Minnesota, and was active in professional associations including the Minnesota Corrections Association (serving as President in 1988) and the American Corrections Association. Professional awards included Minnesota Corrections Person of the Year in 2001 and the Athena Award from the Central Minnesota Community Foundation in 2008.

In retirement, she devoted time to gardening, tap dancing, water aerobics, spending time with Tim at their cabin in western Wisconsin (where she served as Social Committee Chair for her lake association), and spoiling her beloved grandchildren.

A celebration of Patt's life will be held in the near future; details to be announced. Memorials preferred to the Central Minnesota Community Foundation's Women's Fund, or donor's choice.

Funeral arrangements are with the Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel of Monticello.