Pat was the 'matriarch' and devoted big sister to Ron (Melody), June (Bob), Pam (Bob), Kevin (Boon), and Loreen (Wade). She was predeceased by her loving parents Richard & Fran along with her sister Gail. She will be lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law Edna Benstead, brother-in-law Bill Robusky and her aunt Dianna Davies. She made a lasting impression on her many nieces and nephews. She will be fondly remembered by her many friends and colleagues, her Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Sisters, and especially Sorority Sister and long time friend of forty years, Nancy Reid (John) of Ottawa.
Pat was born in Victoria, B.C. and growing up she moved around due to her father being in the military. When her father became the principal of the high school in Coronation, Pat finished her last year of high school there and that is where she met her high school sweetheart and future husband Ray. (Rumor has it that he was not entirely sure if she liked him or not at the beginning!) After a few different moves from Red Deer, Calgary, and Regina, they eventually settled in Ottawa for twenty–five years till they happily retired to Crossfield in 2002.
Pat had many career successes; she received her teaching degree and taught elementary school for ten years. Thereafter, she became a real estate agent in Regina, which did not last long because she didn't want to persuade people to buy a home that they couldn't afford or wasn't right for them! She spent twenty-five years at Revenue Canada where she finished her career as a manager. She was highly regarded by those who worked for and with her. She loved catching up with work colleagues over lunch when she visited Allan and family in Ottawa.
Pat had many interests; she was an avid and award-winning quilter, and enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She was active in her Beta Sigma Phi sorority for over forty years which she took great delight in. She was very active in both the Ottawa and Calgary chapters. She was very involved in the Crossfield Community, in particular the Golden Key Club for Seniors where she sat on the board of directors for many years. She offered her expertise and assistance to the local library as well (All her reading paid off!). In fact Ray said at one point she was so busy she was gone about six days out of the week! And if you ever saw her proudly wearing her favorite 4H jacket, it was because she was presented with it for teaching quilting to the 4H club. Clearly Pat had a tremendous sense of community spirit.
She also enjoyed gardening, baking, reading (a huge mystery buff) and travel. In particular, she and Ray traveled to the Mexican Caribbean for many years with Allan and his family, where they made many wonderful memories. Lara, Rory & Ava learned to swim under the guidance of 'grandma' who could be found sitting in a chair by the pool coaxing them on!
She was a very skilled Scrabble player as well; if you were brave enough to take her on, you had better be well-armed! And who could forget Pat's famous expression: "If there's one thing I hate..."
As a teenager, Pat took flying lessons, and her 'major claim to fame' was that when she received her pilot's license on her sixteenth birthday, she was the youngest pilot in Canada (male or female) at the time.
Of all the things Pat did well, she particularly excelled at being a grandmother. At one point she thought she would never have grandchildren; she ended up with six of them in six years! Grandma was their main cheerleader and supporter. She valued a good education, and as such she and Ray have ensured that all six grandchildren will go on to great success due to their generous support. Pat was always so proud and interested in their academics, sports & interests. Her kind, loving and generous spirit will live on in her cherished grandchildren.
Thank you to all who have sent us messages, called us, and dropped off food. It is so greatly appreciated at this difficult time. We'd like to especially thank Edna Benstead, and Craig Toll for their incredible ongoing support.
Patricia will be interred in the Crossfield Cemetery. Unfortunately, due to Covid, we are unable to hold a service; however, a celebration of her life will be held sometime in the future.
We invite you to share your memories and condolences on this site. It will bring us much solace to hear how Pat touched your life. Please note a photo slideshow is available to be viewed on the left side of this site. Click “Photo Memories”.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Crossfield Public Library would be appreciated.
We love you and will miss you always. While there is an empty seat at our table, you have filled a chair in Heaven. ~"I cried endlessly when you died. But I promise, I won't let the tears mar the smiles that you've given me when you were alive..."
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