Lynette Patricia "Patty" Nisbet

On Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 Lynette Patricia “Patty” Nisbet, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 93. Patty was born April 11, 1932 to Darrell and Lynette MacIntyre of Shorewood Hills, WI. She graduated from Madison West High School on June 16, 1950. Patty enrolled in Mills College in Oakland, California, attending the 1953 Rose Bowl, subsequently transferring to UW-Madison where she became president of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and historian of the Phi Upsilon Omicron. She graduated with a Home Economics degree on June 18, 1954.

On August 27, 1954 she married Thomas Klein Nisbet and the couple moved to New York City where she worked while Tom attended Columbia University. They had their first son while living in Watertown, NY and eventually moved to Madison. They were married 57 years before Tom’s death in 2011. Patty was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and embraced life as a homemaker, raising three sons who all cook, sew and fix things.

An avid gardener and member of Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Patty was also a lifelong Ikebana International member. She taught and participated in local Ikebana classes, and attended an annual Ikebana Exhibition in Kyoto, Japan. She was also a lifelong Pi Phi and served on the board of their Madison chapter for many years. Patty will be remembered fondly for her meticulous garden, Japanese flower arrangements, gourmet cooking, and beaming smile.

Patty is survived by sons Bruce (Bonnie), Jay (Tonya) and Chris (Kate); five grandchildren, Alex, Trent, William, Danielle, and Olivia; and one step grandchild, Waylon Meixner. She was preceded in death by her husband Tom, parents, and brother Darrell.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Capitol Lakes, Agrace Hospice, and UW Home Based Health.

A private service will be held to celebrate Patty’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Patty’s name to the Olbrich Botantical Society or Agrace Hospice.

Please share your memories of Patty by posting in her Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434