Patricia Scharfenberg

Patricia Evelyn Scharfenberg (nee Cowan), wife of Eddie; mother to Duane (Laurel), Deana (Dwayne) and Donald (Lana); and grandmother to Nicholas, Joel, Emma, Justin, and Kyla, passed away as a result of a stroke at the Foothills Hospital on Saturday, November 24th, 2012. She was 79 years old.

Pat was born at Loverna, Saskatchewan, on May 3, 1933, to Percy and Emma Cowan. She grew up on the farm near Compeer, Alberta, and was the oldest sister to siblings Raymond, John, Beverly, Donna, Colleen, and Danny. After graduating from high school, Pat taught school at Antelope Park School for one year, before moving to Edmonton where she met Eddie, her husband of 58 years. Pat and Eddie raised their family in Edmonton, Nelson, Winnipeg, Moose Jaw, and lastly, Calgary.

Pat will be remembered by everyone as a comforting, nurturing, loyal soul, who gave lovingly to her family and graciously to others. She was devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren, who brought her unconditional love and joy. Pat volunteered for many organizations, especially the Taoist Tai Chi Society, where she made many lasting friendships. We will miss her, but it is a comfort to know that her legacy will be remembered by all those who were lucky enough to have known her. We love you Pat.

At Pat’s request, her eyes were donated for research and her ashes will be taken home to the farm where a private family ceremony will be held.

A Remembrance Open House in her honour will be held on December 16, 2012, 1:30 to 4:30pm, at the Sierra’s of Evergreen, Building A, Second Floor, 15 Everstone Drive SW, Calgary.

If it is your wish, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary, #201, 222 – 58 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2H 2S3 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta NWT & Nunavut Calgary, #100, 119 – 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6.

The family would like to thank all staff at the Foothills Hospital, Special Services Building, Unit 46, and the Palliative Care nurses, for their guidance and the care they provided for Pat during the last few weeks of her life.