On Tuesday January 20, 2015 in Oakville after a brief illness in her 83rd year. Beloved wife of Ian for 59 years and dear mother of Ruth (Jeff Cassidy) and Neil. Cherished grandmother to Duncan, Riley, Robert and Sarah. Pat will be sadly missed by many relatives and friends in Canada, the United States and Australia. A memorial service will be held at 1:30pm on Tuesday January 27, 2015 at St. Simon's Anglican Church, 1450 Litchfield Road, Oakville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Diabetes Foundation or Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. Condolences through www.koprivataylor.com
Pat lived a full and adventure filled life. A lass born in the coal fields of New South Wales in Newcastle in 1932 she claimed to be a descendant of an English noble (though we have never been able to confirm this, we think she watched too much "Upstairs, Downstairs"!).
After graduating she pursued several careers (not at the same time) in animal husbandry, the hospitality industry, boatbuilding, record distribution, and occasional bookmaking!
She then got hitched with an itinerant mariner, Ian, and then the adventures truly began!
A long trip by sea to Canada and Expo 67 with baby son Neil in tow, the plan to stay for only two or three years quickly changed and Canada became home. Her daughter Ruth joined the adventure in Montreal and then we were all off to Guelph Ontario where she became the perfect den mother - until that itinerant moved her again to Oakville, Sydney, Cincinnati, Oakville, Nova Scotia, back to Sydney and finally Oakville again with a couple of stays at each location. Always left with the task of packing, relocating, and unpacking (but not everything in case we moved again - we still have 27 boxes we think came from Cincinnati?). After gentle persuasion from the Canadians in the family, Pat proudly became a Canadian citizen in 2004…although, Australia remained her true home and we often had fun seeing how long it would take for her to work Australia back into any conversation.
Through all these adventures with all the stresses and a struggle with personal mobility issues, Pat managed to maintain a continuing cheerful outlook for all and sundry. She was strong and giving without consideration for herself (as long as she was close to a telephone so that she could keep in touch with the wonderful friends she had made during her adventures). We know she will be watching you from above and do not be surprised if you get a long distance call from a number you do not recognize!