Lucille Passa

Lucille Passa, age 96, of Drayton, ND, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on June 9th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and quiet strength that touched everyone who knew her.
Born in rural Walsh County, ND, Lucille was one of ten children and grew up surrounded by the values of hard work, faith, and family. She attended school through the 8th grade, and it was in these early years that her resilience and dedication were first formed qualities that would define her entire life.
Lucille met the love of her life, Ted Passa, and they were married on July 1, 1947, in Stephen, MN. Together they built a life rooted in love and devotion, raising eight children on their farm near Bowesmont, ND. In 2022, they celebrated 75 wonderful years of marriage, surrounded by family and friends—a milestone that reflected the depth of their bond. Ted passed away the next day, on July 2, 2022, a poignant reflection of the love they shared until the very end.
Lucille worked tirelessly throughout her life—not only as a devoted mother and homemaker, but also outside the home cleaning for others and working at Associated Potato Growers. She was deeply committed to her faith and her church, St. Edward’s Catholic Church, where she was an active member of the Altar Society. Her Catholic faith was her compass, and she attended daily Mass as often as she could, praying the rosary multiple times a day for her children, grandchildren, and all those she loved.
Lucille’s hands were rarely still. She loved to crochet, creating beautiful pieces that warmed the homes and hearts of her family. Her flower gardens were the pride of her neighborhood—vibrant, blooming reflections of her nurturing spirit. She was a gifted baker whose kitchen always smelled of fresh bread and sweet treats, and she believed in the joy of movement—walking regularly and staying active well into her later years.
She loved to play cards and laugh with her grandchildren, often playfully cheating during games just like her mother, Francis Blawat. And no one who knew Lucille could forget how much she loved to polka with Ted, spinning around the dance floor with a joy that was contagious.
Lucille Passa was the proud matriarch of a large and loving family: eight children, 18 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. Her life was a testament to the beauty of simplicity, the strength of love, and the power of faith. She was the heart of her family, and her warmth, kindness, and gentle wisdom will be missed beyond words.
She is survived by her children: Larry (Brigita) Passa, Daryl (Kate) Passa, Ron (the late Cindy) Passa, Terry (Lisa) Passa, Linda (the late Dale McDougall) (Rick Olson), Matt (Holly) Passa, Jayme (Jane) Passa, and Brent (Allison) Passa.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ted Passa; her son-in-law, Dale McDougall; her daughter-in-law, Cindy Passa; and all of her siblings: Effie Kroll, Lillian Mozinski, Anne Passa, Joe Blawat, Dick Blawat, Alfred Blawat, Josephine Kruczynski, Harry Blawat, and Leonard Jr. Blawat.
Services will be held at St. Edward Catholic Church Drayton, ND:
Prayer Service: Thursday, June 12, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., with the Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass: Friday, June 13
Visitation: 10:00 a.m.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m.
Luncheon: Immediately following the service
Christian Burial: 2:00 p.m. at St. Edward Cemetery, beside her husband, Ted
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to St. Edward Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice in Lucille’s honor.
Lucille’s life was a quiet masterpiece of devotion and grace. May she now rest in eternal peace, cradled in the love of God and forever remembered in the hearts of those who cherished her.
Arrangements are entrusted to Austin Funeral Home, Drayton, ND.

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