Patricia Ann James

(nee Demmery)

June 16, 1932 - November 25, 2016

Pat passed away suddenly at Burnaby Hospital in the presence of family at the age of 84. Predeceased by her beloved husband John in 2014, she will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children: Cathy (Rick), Ellen and Carol, grandchildren: Allison, Thomas, John Henry, Demmery and Hugh, brother-in-law Robert and niece and nephew Lynne and Neill. Pat grew up on West King Edward Ave in Vancouver and graduated from UBC a year ahead of her classmates. She then travelled to California to earn her optometric degree and returned home in 1954 as Dr. Patricia Demmery, to work with her parents Robert and Dorothy in their thriving optometric practices. She and John married and soon established their own practice at Broadway and Commercial, where they worked side by side for over thirty years while raising their family. During this time they were both actively involved with St. Andrews- Wesley United Church, the Bach Choir and the Cantata Singers.

Retirement brought much joy as the two traveled the world together, astonished by its many wonders. Pat was a committed member of the United Church of Canada and during her retirement served in many capacities on the local, provincial and national levels. She was a lifelong learner with a vast store of knowledge, showing specific interest in theology, archeology, history and genealogy. Pat took a keen interest in her three girls and her five grandchildren, and had recently settled into an independent living facility where she enjoyed the fellowship of many of its residents and staff. She will be remembered for her many professional and lay accomplishments, her incredible personal strength, her devotion to family, and her unerring sense of duty.

Memorial service will take place at 10:30 am on Friday, December 9, 2016, at Ocean View Funeral Chapel, 4000 Imperial Street Burnaby B.C. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat's name to Canadian Foodgrains Bank: http://foodgrainsbank.ca/our-work-2/

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Published in Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on Dec. 3, 2016

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