Mom died peacefully at Cerwydden Care Centre at the age of 86 after battling a stroke for seven years.
Predeceased by her husband Tom; parents, Percy and Edith Tappin; sisters: Eleanor, Dorothy, Nancy, Maud, Bess and one brother John. Survived by her only child Ethel (Ted) Johnson; sisters: Vi (Claude), Gaye and Edna Cooper; four grandchildren: Gerrie (Doug) Knott, Cindy (Tom) Padjen, Steven (Tracey) Johnson, Mark Johnson; eight great-grandchildren: one boy and seven girls, Nina, Tyler, Mila, Heidi, Kim, Kelsey, Brooke, and Taylor; also many nieces and nephews.
Pat was born in Grenfell, Saskatchewan and in 1926 moved to Summerberry, Saskatchewan where she started school. In 1928 moved to Regina and finished her schooling. It was at this time during the war she was hired as a sign painter at a Flying Training School. In 1942 she moved to Nanaimo from Regina and in 1947 came to Lake Cowichan. Her many jobs included manager of Getz Ladies Wear, Senior Clerk at the Overwaitea when it was in the Smith Block, assistant teacher at Evergreen School and stenciler at W.F.I. Honeymoon Bay. Pat also was a very talented painter in both oil and water colors, loved her garden, and watching the birds.
Pat did lots of volunteer work and was active as member in the community. She was a member of: the Lake Cowichan Hospital Auxiliary, senior line dancers, the O.A.P. and the United Church since 1954. She was also a life member of the Kaatza Museum and Ladysmith O.A.P.
After her stroke September 12, 2001 she was confined to a wheelchair and found it very hard to accept. Her determination to walk again was unrelenting.
Family and friends were important to Pat and she will be sadly missed.
The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff of Cerwydden for the excellent care she was given in the past three years.
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no tears or gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free
Miss me a little but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love we all shared
Miss me but let me go
A Memorial Service was held Saturday, March 1st, 2008 at 1:00pm at Lake Cowichan United Church, 10 King George Street, South Lake Cowichan. In lieu of flowers a donation in Pat’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Fund, Box 73, Duncan, BC, V9L 3X1; the Lake Cowichan United Church or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to: www.firstmemorialfuneral.com