With sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Patricia Elaine Aitken (Berezowski) on November 12, 2023. Pat was born and raised in the community of Navin, Manitoba, spent many years living in the area of Swan Lake, and finally settled in Oakbank with her husband, Locklyn, to raise their daughter, Elizabeth.

 

Pat is predeceased by her mother, Mary, her father, Peter, and her brother, Ron, as well as several other loved family members. Left to hold onto her memory are her loving husband, Locklyn; daughter Elizabeth (Alex) and grandchildren Theo, Bridget and Gracie; special aunt Liz; sisters-in-law Brenda and Jan; niece Melissa (Dan) and great-niece and -nephew Hannah and Ben; step-son Jamie (Chris) and grandson Arlan; step-daughter Adrienne (Dale) and grandchildren Abby, Rachel, Reuben and Epi; and step-son Douglas, as well as several other cherished family members.

 

Pat was proud to achieve a Master’s Degree in Education, which facilitated her life’s work of teaching. She worked in many capacities, including Teacher, Principal, Guidance Counselor, and finally Student Services Coordinator at Pinawa Secondary School. Pat was highly invested in her roles and worked tirelessly to help as many students as she could. Pat was also dedicated to serving her community, acting on boards for the local health authority, health care facilities, and the Oakbank Catholic Church, among many others.

 

Pat and Lock met while square dancing in Somerset. They were both working towards teaching in the community. They set down roots in the town of Swan Lake and began their family together, meeting life-long friends along the way. The pleasure of dancing together continued into their later years.

 

As a parent, Pat spent countless hours supporting her daughter in her extracurriculars, primarily dance and swimming, and volunteering her time with these activities as well. When she wasn’t working, Pat loved to travel, taking road trips to visit relatives all over the country and fostering meaningful family connections. In the last number of years, Pat and Lock, along with Aunt Liz, would explore warmer climates in week-long increments, making many shared memories together.

 

Pat loved to spoil her grandchildren with treats and gifts, a trait she inherited from her own mother. Theo gleefully anticipated visits with Grandma, and the Timbits and stickers that came with them. In return, her grandchildren benefited from the unconditional love they received, even though it was cut far too short.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 30th at 2:00pm at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg at 603 Wellington Crescent.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, CancerCare Manitoba, or a charity of your choice.

 

Patricia’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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