Patricia Lappin

Born in Barrhead Scotland, she was the daughter of the late Patrick O'Neill (Barrhead Scotland) and Helen (Collins)(Barrhead, Scotland). She was predeceased by her husband Joseph, her parents; her sisters Margaret (McDevitt), Helena (Monaghan), and Elizabeth (Cook). She is survived by her brother John, son Joseph, daughter-in-law Susan (MacKay); Grandchildren Andrew, Bridget and Cara; and by many fond nieces and nephews. She married Joseph Lappin in 1953.

She attended St Mirren's Academy in Paisley and Teacher's College in Glasgow. She taught music in several schools in the Glasgow area, Yorkshire and the Midlands before emigrating to Nova Scotia in 1969. After Teaching for one year in Lockeport, she moved to Halifax and taught for three years in St Patrick's Girls Elementary School before becoming the first music teacher at the newly built combined St Patrick's Elementary Junior High School, now St Patrick's Alex. Later as a member of the Halifax School Board Music Department she taught at various schools till her retirement in 1982. When the new building of Canadian Martyrs' parish opened in the early 1970's she became the director of music for the congregation. When the family moved from Halifax to Shad Bay she fulfilled the same role in that parish as well as teaching catechism there. She was a member of the Christian Life Community for many years.

Her Husband was ordained to the Permanent Deaconate in the Archdiocese of Halifax. During his training she attended many of his courses saying she was studying for the role of "Deacon's Wife". She fulfilled that role in the parishes of Hubbards, Chester and New Ross and subsequently at Shad Bay. When her husband's ill health forced his second retirement she nursed him till his death in 2005. When her own illness required her to move to a nursing home she took music with her and could always remember a song or hymn. Thanks to the staffs of St Vincent's Nursing Home and Parkstone Enhanced Care and in particular to the staff of "Sullivan's Lane".

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 12th from 2-4pm at Cruikshank's Halifax Funeral Home, 2032 Robie Street, Halifax.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 13 at 10.00AM at Saint Thomas Aquinas and Canadian Martyrs' Church, 5900 Inglis St, Halifax. Following a reception at the parish hall internment will be at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Lr. Sackville.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice.