Patricia Mackay

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Mackay (nee Vanstone).

Patricia was born September 10, 1932 at St. Mary’s hospital in Kitchener. She was surrounded by her loved ones.

Elder daughter of the late Harold James Vanstone of London and Rebecca (Ruby) Vanstone formerly of Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Beloved Wife of Robert Burns Mackay of Brantford, On

Dear sister of Mrs. John (Sheila) Forsyth, Waterloo, On

Much loved Mother of:

Karen Petersen (Terry), Kitchener

Connie Forsyth, Goderich

Tim Forsyth (Darlene), Kitchener

Jim Forsyth (Cathy), Brussels

Proud Grandmother of:

Cheryl, Angela and Brad Forsyth

Leah Forsyth and Sarah Upcott (Derek)

Lyle and Karl Petersen

Loving Great Grandmother of:

Callum McCulloch, Oden and Mackenzie Upcott

J.J. and Damien

Former wife of the late James R. Forsyth (married 1953)

Patricia attended Sheppard and Suddaby elementary schools where she helped in the office with the principal. Grades 3 and 4 were spent at a private school – Cranbrook in Detroit, Michigan. During this time Patricia founded the Red Cross Club (1942) and organized “Parcels for Britain” (1943-46)

Patricia then attended Kitchener Waterloo Collegiate where she was on the editorial staff of the “Grumbler” year book, and belonged to the Camera Club and the Debating and the Public Speaking Societies. She was also the campaign manager for the President of the Student Council.

Patricia attended the University of Waterloo where she tutored students in French, Latin and English.

Patricia worked as a supply teacher of French at Grand River Collegiate from 1972 – 1976.

In Kitchener Patricia was a member of:

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (choir and youth groups), Girl Guides of Canada, KiWaCo-Y Club (past president), Nu Phi Sorority (past president), Volunteer for K-W Symphony, L’Alliance francais Club, Granite Club, and Westmount Golf Club as well as being on the Folk Arts Council.

In Brantford Patricia was:

A volunteer with the Brantford Symphony, canvasser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, member of the Patriots Association and volunteer with Ethno Culturefest. Patricia was also a Provincial and Federal District Returning Officer as well as a local cable television host and producer for Multi Cultural Programming.

The family would like to than the nurses on the 7th floor of Brantford General, particularly Gail and Alissa, as well as Dr. Locke.

Visitation at Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King St. W., Kitchener, On., N2G 1C7 on Friday Oct. 5, 2012 from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday Oct. 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Visit Patricia’s memorial and share condolences online at www.ratzbechtelfuneralhome.com

As an expression of sympathy donations to The Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.