Charlotte Patricia Harris

Born in New Glasgow on December 9, 1932, Patricia (Pat) lived in Yarmouth before moving to Halifax as a young girl, where she spent the remainder of her life.

Pat is survived by her husband of 59 years, Edwin C. Harris, children David, Kate and Paul, grandchildren Emily, Jennifer, Ethan, Camille, Rowan, Alexandria, Ereni, Gina, and George, and great-grandchildren Madeline, Mary, Charlotte and Max. She was predeceased by her parents, Iber and Mary (McCulloch) Fownes.

Pat and Ed married on August 28, 1958, following Ed’s graduation from Dalhousie law school. Immediately, they moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts for a year while Ed did graduate studies at Harvard before returning to Halifax.

Pat was a pioneer in many ways including attending law school at a time when few women did. Her classmates included several future premiers and the first female justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. She was pleased to host the 60th reunion of her law class at her home last year.

She made her mark both in the practice of law and as an entrepreneur, owning several businesses including the Sagittarian Dress Shop in Bayer’s Road Shopping Centre. She was particularly proud of being appointed as a Queen’s Counsel in recognition of her practice of law.

Pat enjoyed a lifelong affiliation with Dalhousie University, beginning with an Arts degree (including studying philosophy under renowned professor George Grant), an active involvement in student affairs including drama, graduating from Dal Law in 1957, working as Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs, and ultimately serving as a member of Dalhousie’s Board of Governors.

She was also a world-renowned bridge player, coming close to accumulating 10,000 Master Points in tournaments throughout North America.

She acted for many years as a Justice of the Peace, where her great joy was performing civil marriages, including those of several of her children and grandchildren. She was known for taking considerable pains to acquaint herself with the people for whom she was officiating and delivering personalized wedding programs. In many cases, she offered her own home for wedding ceremonies, and she stayed in touch with many of the people over whose marriages she presided.

Her strong artistic side was evident throughout her life, both as an amateur painter and a lifelong patron of the arts. She also brought her artistic flair to the beautiful gardens she created, and to the incredible meals that she would produce.

Pat particularly loved family gatherings – her warm hospitality often made her house the focal point for celebrations of holidays, birthdays and other family occasions.

She contributed to her community in many ways, serving on boards such as the Neptune Theatre, the QEII Health Science Centre Foundation, and Dalhousie University.

In April 2017, Pat and Ed left their beloved home in St. Margaret’s Bay and moved to Parkland on the Gardens. The family would like to thank the staff at Parkland for the excellent care they provided to Pat while she resided there.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held this summer with time and location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia.