It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving mother, Patricia Mary Elizabeth Garner, nee Caldwell. Mum was born in Colindale, in the county of Middlesex, England on April 25th, 1937 to Alfred and Mary Caldwell. Mum was very proud of the work that grandad did with the railway system in England. On March 31st, 1956, she married her first love, Leslie George Garner and in 1965 emigrated to Canada with Leslie and three young sons, Martyn, Trevor and David. They made the Lower Mainland their home, eventually settling in Port Coquitlam. The family continued to grow with the addition of another 5 children (Mark, Lisa, Lianne, Blair and Elizabeth). At the time of her passing, Mum was proud to boast that she had 8 children, 13 grandkids and 4 great grandkids. Her early training in childcare and caring for the sick were put to good use with us kids.
Mum was blessed with an incredible singing voice and enjoyed many years singing in the choir alongside our dad. In her healthier days, she and dad were generous volunteers in the Wilson Senior’s Centre, their church (Blue Mountain Baptist) and a number of Christian-based community support programs. As well, mum had an incredible knack for finding folks that needed support and often enlisted herself and dad in a range of errands for others, from driving to moving those in need. She was featured in the National Film Board of Canada's award-winning piece, Patricia's Moving Picture; a film addressing her depression and empty nest syndrome as her children grew up.
Mum loved animals and we grew up with all sorts of pets. Even the cats in her care home loved her and continue to visit her room since she passed. Mum had an incredible passion for elephants and anyone who knew her knew of her eccentric collection of elephant items.
Mum was predeceased by our dad, Leslie and her parents, Alf and Mary Caldwell. She leaves to mourn her children, Martyn (Lynn), Trevor (Nancy), David (Reba), Mark (Tracy), Lisa, Lianne (Jim), Blair and Elizabeth (Stephane), many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and sister Joan (David) and brother George. Mum had many friendships over her lifetime but most notably were her relationships with Joan, Marie and Pat.
We would like to thank the staff at Holyrood Manor for the care and respect they showed our mum over the last 4 years and the staff at Maple Ridge Hospital Emergency department for their compassion during mum’s last hours.
There will be a memorial service for Mum on January 2, 2020 at 1:00 pm at First Memorial, Burkeview Chapel in Port Coquitlam, followed by a reception. We know mum will be raising a glass of wine and dad a drink of gin as we remember her and them during this time.
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