After a brief battle with cancer, our amazing mother, at the age of 74, passed away on August 31, 2020 at home surrounded by her children and love.

 

Pat was preceded in death by her husband Ingram, her father Mike and her in-laws Inranny, Ambrose, Ivan and Victor. She is lovingly remembered by her mother Elsie, her three children Susan, Kristin and Mark, her grandchildren Emily and Kaitlyn, and her son-in-law Brad. She will be deeply missed by Allan, Janet, the Hlady’s, Ojah’s, Seunarine’s, Ramraj’s, Riffell’s, Pennefather’s and so many other loving family members and friends.

 

Pat was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister and friend and a caring and strong woman. Raised in Beausejour, she was the first in her family to leave home and attend university. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with degrees in Education and Arts. Her love of books and children led her on a lifelong path as a teacher. Working in schools in rural Manitoba, she taught English, French, and occasionally Phys-Ed.  Eventually, she and her husband Ingram settled down in Winnipeg. There, she became a Teacher-Librarian, sharing her fondness for stories, imagination and learning with generations of students over her career. Along the way she met friends for life.  She was able to reconnect with many of them in recent years and talked affectionately about these friendships.

 

At the young age of 37, Pat lost her husband Ingram to a sudden illness. She faced this tragedy with strength and determination, raising her three young children on her own. She ensured that they had her love, support and guidance throughout their lives. The example she set for them helped them grow into strong, hardworking and loving adults. Without hesitation, they returned to be at her side during the final steps on her life’s journey.  

 

When her grandchildren were born, she was there to greet them both as they came into the world. Known as “Grammy”, she nurtured and cared for them with the same love and devotion she had shown her children. She taught them to be strong, confident young woman, sharing her love of books and theater with them. She was so proud of their accomplishments. Fondly referred to as “Aunty Pat” by so many nieces, nephews and relatives, she was famous for preparing amazing dishes for family dinners, which often involved 30 or more guests. She attended countless birthdays, concerts and hockey games as she loved to see the kids in action. She took her mother into her home and cared for her when she was no longer able to live on her own, constantly attending to her and surrounding her with love.

 

As a young mother, she traveled many times with her children to Florida and Trinidad, ensuring that her kids had a strong connection to both sides of their family. Although she was not able to get to all the places that she dreamed of, she was incredibly cultured and well-traveled. As she got older, she had wonderful adventures with her son Mark, camping in beautiful locations where he could share his love of nature with her. She often journeyed with her daughter Kristin, to visit her daughter Susan and family. Together, they shared many wonderful times in Vancouver, Whistler, The Okanagan, Tofino and Hawaii.

 

Her love for her family was a bond that strengthened and grew, never ending. She was particularly close to her father and mother, Mike and Elsie, and her brother Allan. Although she was taken from us too soon, we have all been blessed for having been a part of her life. We will gather together to celebrate her life on the one-year anniversary of her passing, when we can come together in unconstrained times, to laugh and cry, hug and kiss and remember our mother.

 

Susan, Kristin and Mark would like to thank everyone for the kindness, love and support that has generously been given already.