Caroline Patricia Mary McKenzie

Patsy is survived by her 3 beautiful children, Alison Williams (John) Ron McKenzie (Cynthia), Dave McKenzie (Janis) and her loving sister, Faith Balisch (St John’s NL).

Patsy is also survived by her 6 grandchildren Jamie, Felicia (Brett), Ryley, Emma, Evan, Aedan and great grandchildren, Ethan and Jesse.

Patsy was predeceased by her parents Caroline and Jim Robert’s, Her husband and love of her life, Albert McKenzie, her sister and best friend, Betsy Gracie, and brother, Russell Roberts.

From an early age Mom’s dream was to be a mother to which she truly was a gem. Her love of her children shown through in the time she spent with them teaching them all life had to offer. She spent countless hours doing crafts, playing games (especially Yahtzee), watching movies and baking with us.

She loved each holiday as a chance to continue her favourite tradition of baking shortbread cookies to which everyone received a can loaded with love and yumminess.

Mom never missed an opportunity to help others and gave freely of her love, her home and her life. Everyone was always welcome in her home - no questions asked. What was hers was yours. This didn’t stop at just humans; it was extended to the many animals she took in. Right up to the raccoons who “need to eat too” and “their paws are cold”.

Throughout her life as her children grew to become adults, her daughter, Alison, was her true partner in crime, the Thelma to her Louise! They truly were each other’s best friends from baking up a storm, canning vegetables, doing jigsaw puzzles, and endless road trips to camp, play bingo, and hang with the girls was something they truly loved. The love and endless laughs they shared could never be measured.

Mom’s other true best friend was her older sister, Faith. Faith was her biggest support and confident. She had the strong belief that Patsy had that wonderful sense of humour that could turn clouds into rainbows and finding light in the big and little moments of life.

Besides cherishing her family, mom also extended her love in her roles as a nursery school and Sunday school teacher for many years.

In her alone time, when she found it, she found a way to truly express herself in creating poems. Poetry was her muse. It helped her express what she truly felt. She would then share them with us when she was ready and as we would read them out loud, she would listen and nod her head “yup!”. Very reassured that’s what she meant and was truly proud of it.

A private family gathering will be held. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting pattenfuneral.com.

One of our truly cherished poems was

"What am I worth"

I've been a homemaker all of my life

A mom, a teacher, a nurse and a wife

The hours are endless, no nine to five

And retirement starts when I'm no longer alive

The beds I've made in the millions by far

And the dishes could replace every single star

The wash could easily encircle the earth

And still they can't determine my worth

The cuts and bruises these lips have kissed

Recitals and school events I've never missed

I've graded and graded over again

And felt every hurt in sympathy pain

I've shopped til I dropped for bargains galore

I've scrubbed til my knees imprinted the floor

Endured labor pains at each of their births

And still they can't determine my worth

Those teenage years certainly were trying

To learn to be patient and curb all my prying

Scrutinizing the dates that came to the door

Automobiles, insurance, extra money and more

University tuition and choosing a career

And I've still got two more bringing up the rear

Yet I'm really amazed I can laugh with such mirth

Cause I'm still here not knowing how much I am worth

Patricia McKenzie