Patricia Anne Stuart

Pat was a daughter, sister, cousin, auntie, coworker, mentor and friend.

On April 26, 1956, Doug and Edna Stuart gave birth to their fourth child, a beautiful wide-eyed baby girl who they named Patricia Anne Stuart. Soon after she was known as Pat. Pat had two older brothers, Bob and David, and an older sister, Janice. Pat was born in Saskatoon as there was no doctor in her hometown of Edam at the time. The family was complete in 1960 when our little brother Kelly was born.

Growing up, we were blessed to have our maternal grandmother, Grandma Boyd, and her brother George, live in the same yard as us. Grandma taught us love, kindness and values. Pat had two years of school remaining when Uncle George passed away. So Grandma wouldn’t be lonely, Pat moved into the little house across the yard. It was during these two years that Pat’s faith journey began, as she would hear Grandma quietly include everyone in her nightly prayers. Pat mentioned on more than one occasion what an impact this had on her. Another force behind her journey was the leadership of Bill and Doris Major, who joined our parish as ministers during our latter school years. They were able to make religion exciting for us! Pat’s faith continued to be an anchor throughout her life.

Along with her siblings, Pat went to a one room country school for her grade one year. One day we came home from school excitedly telling our parents that we had learned to smoke. We had gone on a nature hike and one of the older boys had brought cigarettes. Mom and Dad weren’t too happy about what we had learned. With country schools closing, Pat attended the Edam and Vawn schools, graduating in 1974. That fall, Pat was off to Saskatoon and took her Diploma Nursing course at Kelsey and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1976. She began her career working at Lady Minto Union Hospital in Edam and then in St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon. Pat didn’t’ stop there. She went to Edmonton and took the O.R. Nursing Program and graduated in 1978. She worked in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Fredericton, New Brunswick. Weekends and holidays were spent on P.E.I. Pat then moved back to Saskatoon in 1982 and started nursing at RUH.

Pat was not an “outside chores” kind of girl who would help hand milk the cows. Instead her duties were to separate the cream and have the potatoes boiled for supper. We would occasionally come in to the smell of burnt potatoes. She was dancing in the living room to Record Hop, unaware that the potatoes had boiled dry.

Our family milked cows and sold cream as this was what bought the groceries to put on the table. We did our best to have top quality cream which was delivered to our local creamery. The cream cheque was a very important source of income. One time, the “needed” cheque arrived with the grade “Sour” which meant a very reduced price. Dad was indignant and phoned the creamery to say they always sent quality product. It wasn’t until years later, in conversation, that Pat happened to mention how intriguing it had been to pour vinegar into the cream to see it swirl around and then curdle. The mystery was solved!

A big highlight of our family was when our “Alberta” Truss and Samide cousins would come for Easter or Thanksgiving, as they were the only cousins we got to know face to face. Everyone would pair up according to their age and off everyone would go. The weekend went by too quickly and we looked forward to the next time.

Pat was actively involved in our local 4-H Beef Club. She always relied on her older brother David to train her calf to lead. The steer was always spiffy and ready for Achievement Day. At 4-H Provincial Selections, Pat was awarded the trip to Prince Edward Island with her host family being the Macleods. Anne of Green Gables was one of Pat’s favourite books growing up so it was very fitting to have won this opportunity. Through this 4-H experience, Pat remained lifelong friends with many Maritime people.

Springtime was a special season for Pat. She was always excited to find the first crocuses in bloom on her walks in the pasture.

In the early 90’s, Pat bought her forever home. Her love of flowers and color, birds and nature, shone through as she created an oasis that she nurtured and loved. Pat opened her door and her heart to everyone, to family and friends, who needed a place to stay. This may have been for education, medical appointments or a holiday. Pat was our taxi driver, medical advocate, a listening ear, a surrogate mother to many, tour guide and cook. Her nieces and nephews are eternally grateful for this. Pat would say that she got to know her nieces and nephews first as children and then as friends. Those relationships are precious. Some favorite memories were the summer holiday getaways with Auntie Pat. She would bring her country nieces and nephews to the big city to experience city life and be spoiled rotten (Presents from Toys R Us and going to Fuddruckers). When it was Roberta and Bethany’s turn to have their holiday with Auntie Pat, they were probably age 6 and 8. Their parents had sent money with them to treat Auntie Pat to dessert. Well Pat overheard the conversation in the back seat while they were deciding where to have supper. This made Pat chuckle. Let’s go to Bonanza, dessert is FREE. They both had more money to spend with clear consciences. Graham and Michael have fond memories of staying in a tent in Auntie Pat’s basement and getting to watch a movie on her T.V. in her bedroom on many summer or even winter visits.

As our children were young, Pat’s annual Christmas gift was the latest VHS movie. In our house, our kids were allowed to open this one gift on Christmas Eve. Home Alone, Speed, and Dennis the Menace were a few movies to remember. Pat acquired her love of reading from our mother. She shared this love, buying books as gifts for nieces and nephews and continuing to do so for all of her great nieces and nephews. This “book” gift instilled a love of reading in many of the family. At Christmas time, Pat would come from Saskatoon armed with the traditional festive Christmas crackers, mincemeat tarts and delicious meat pies. We would always ask Pat to say grace. Her presence will be sorely missed.

Nephews and nieces meant everything to Pat. Attending activities that they participated in were always on her list – 4-H Achievement Days, Hockey, Tae Kwon Do. April commented that Auntie Pat drove to Minot in 1992 so they could have a babysitter for the girls while they attended Darren’s sister’s University Graduation! The bonus was she could go shopping at Payless Shoes the following day! Nothing was too much to ask!

As said by one of her nephews, Auntie Pat always made time to listen to what you had going on good or bad, no matter how busy she was. She was compassionate, calm and logical in her responses to problems and always left you feeling better. She helped them proofread essays and write resumes. Robyn remembers helping transfer homemade Amaretto from the carboy to bottles. Neither could figure out how to get the siphon to work and they both ended up a little tipsy on a Friday afternoon. When Graham was participating in a ¼ scale tractor competition, Pat brought homemade food right to the University for the team. When Michael’s friend Nathan needed a place to stay, Pat let him live with them for many months as he was trying to find a new place to stay. She nicknamed Nathan “the calf” due to the volume of milk he would drink in a week. Pat would phone and wish me a Happy Mother’s Day; I would say ‘the same to you too,’ as she was as much a Mom to so many. She didn’t have any biological children but many considered her their “bonus“ Mom.

Pat was a concierge for all things in the city of Saskatoon – parts, groceries on sale, medical appointments – she made it all happen for us. She always took the December 24th call from our brother Kelly asking if she’d go to Toys R Us to get Graham and Michael’s gifts!

Pat took Dad and Mom and showed them throughout her beloved Maritimes and through the Western provinces. When Mom had her heart attack in 1990, Pat never missed a weekend to come home to look after Dad and Mom. She continued to do so for years following Mom’s death in 1993, becoming the Matriarch of the Stuart family. An uncomplaining soul.

After Mom’s passing, Dad stayed frequently with Pat. They got along relatively well. They both had their ideas on doing things. They even built the downstairs shower together, both emerging alive and still talking. Alice reminded me that Pat still relied on Dad’s expertise after she left home. When she was living down in the Maritimes, she had a clicking sound in her car and phoned Dad to see if he could diagnose the problem!

Now on to her Nursing Career and her impact on her Nursing Community.

Pat began her advocacy for nurses soon into her nursing career at Saskatoon’s University Hospital. Pat was an excellent Operating Room Nurse and became involved with the local union representing the nurses – the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses Local 75. Pat served on the Local Executive in many roles including Grievance Chairperson and Local President. In 1989, Pat was proud to be a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan Labour Studies Certificate Program, spearheaded by Bob Sass.

Looking beyond Local 75, Pat began provincial union activism as a member of the Hospital Sector Negotiating Committee and as a member of SUN Board of Directors and Finance Committee. Pat’s advocacy for nurses, her passion for fairness and quality patient care moved her to a larger role in SUN as the SUN Provincial President from 1989-1992.

Pat’s presidential term began in 1989 with a provincial strike vote in the nursing home sector. Pat said this was “Trial by Fire”. A strike was averted following around the clock negotiations. Through her presidency, Pat moved SUN through many other challenging times. Pat provided important direction at the bargaining table, for SUN’s Nursing Advisory process, contract compliance, office procedures, education programs and improved financial processes. Pat cared about quality patient care and worked hard to assist nurses in their workplaces to provide that care. Pat advocated for a shift to community based or holistic nursing care for the Saskatchewan population. She spoke and wrote eloquently on behalf of the union, the nurses and the patients in our province, whether within the Union itself or with government officials, with health-care employers or the media.

Following her SUN presidency in 1992, Pat’s leadership and union advocacy led her to a staff position at SUN where she worked as an Employment Relations Officer for over 20 years. Pat was a valuable co-worker, sharing her expertise and insight with all SUN staff. Pat was a role model, educator, mentor and a friend. Pat enjoyed a good debate, making her well-thought-out arguments but also listening to the other views. Her smile and sparkling eyes, her joy of life and her passion for fairness emanated from her wherever she went. Whether it was grievance resolution, negotiating amalgamation Letters of Understanding, providing input on professional nursing practice issues, or contract interpretation, the Union staff and membership could count on Pat to provide thoughtful and credible input. Pat supported countless SUN members and the union with her creativity, her problem-solving skills, her expert contract knowledge and of course her credibility.

Pat’s contribution to improving the lives of co-workers, nurses and patients was immense. She also had a profound effect on the Saskatchewan labour movement. We are thankful, both professionally and personally, for her friendship, her caring leadership and her personal integrity.

The moment we in Primary Health Care interviewed Pat for a temporary job, we knew we wanted her permanently. Thank goodness for us that came to be. From Community Developer to Primary Health Facilitator to Manager of Primary Health her strong leadership and advocacy was felt.

She was an incredibly talented, articulate and caring nurse and leader- who with a sense of humor, compassion for others and a passion for positive change advocated for a better more responsive and improved health care system that could meet the needs of this community. In her role as Community Developer, she was passionate about supporting those that struggled with poverty, mental health and addictions. She was part of a group who were a voice for those who had none- “Nothing about us without us”.

As a Primary Health Facilitator and later Manager, she shone. Helping groups sort out their goals and see their vision grow into reality. She was instrumental in helping the movement towards giving Patients and Families an avenue to improve care, to be more responsive to their needs and to make Healthcare more accountable and find ways we could do better.

She worked tirelessly to grow Primary Health care; she helped support increasing numbers of Nurse Practitioners to find their way to acceptance within the medical model. Likewise with Midwifery, while common in many countries around the world including Europe, they still had to fight for acceptance here.

She was a shining star, leader, peer and friend who worked selflessly and tirelessly to serve our community. She did all this with such humility, bringing people together to work in ways they never thought possible.

When she became ill her community rallied with her. Despite overwhelming challenges, she marched on. She went seeking medical advice when there was none in Saskatchewan, she overcame pain and disability to live life to the fullest! She became a student taking several classes, travelled to many interesting places and volunteered her time despite fatigue and pain. She was a quiet daunting force who never let anything stop her! Pat, what an inspiration you are to us!

You have always been the voice of wisdom, the listening ear, respectful to all no matter their station in life and your door was always open to everyone. We will miss your sage advice, your laughter, compassion and love! We will miss you dear friend and carry you forever in our hearts.

Another nurse from Alberta wrote, “She contributed a lot to our society – particularly to the nursing community. She will not be forgotten”.

Pat had a sense of adventure and loved learning about different countries and their cultures. In no particular order her travels took her to all our Canadian provinces and territories, with the exception of Nunavut; to Venezuela, Peru, Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, France, Germany, Hawaii, Arizona, Las Vegas, Seattle and the Holy Land. She enjoyed all these holidays with friends and family.

In June, 2007, Pat was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, Retroperitoneal Fibrosis. This was a rare and complicated condition which required specialized care from the Mayo Clinic in the United States. Thanks to the incredible fundraising support of her church family at St. Martins, Pat was able to see these specialists and have the best health possible given her disease, for as long as possible.

Pat had a group of dear friends who were like family to her. They did life together, through good and bad, joy and sorrow. We would all be so lucky to have a friend like Pat, and we are all so lucky to have called her our friend.

Pat enjoyed singing and Christmas was always special singing around the piano with all of her family. She sang with the Saskatoon Sweet Adelines for two years, and also in the church choir and at weddings. Pat was crafty. She was an able knitter, making scarves and sweaters and more recently had started painting. She was very well known for her stylish flare, with fancy clothes, funky glasses and purses, watches with bling and brightly coloured nails. One time while driving a friend’s 5 or 6 year old daughter, the little girl asked Pat if she was a “floothy”. Pat replied, no, she didn’t think she was floozy, but why did she ask? The little girl replied, because my mom said only floothies wear red nail polish! Pat had a good laugh over this!

Pat loved the arts – Persephone theater, The Barn Play House, Nunsense, Nana Mouskouri. She was a movie buff! She knew all the actors and the roles they played.

She was an avid dog lover, owning Fergie, Mr. Squeaks, Topsy and Chewie over the years. They were her wonderful companions. Once while visiting Dad at the farm, he brought a farm cat into the house. The fight between Fergie and the cat was on. Cat and dog!! Not a good combination! Dad was killing himself laughing and then trying to catch the cat. Pat was not impressed with Dad, who’d been horribly scratched. She asked him sternly if he’d learned his lesson. He replied “Yes. Next time, I’ll wear gloves.”

The woman who began her studies in a one room country school continued her studies to attain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2007, and then in 2012, graduated from Royal Rhodes University with a Masters of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management. She was constantly acquiring and absorbing knowledge, from Reiki training to University History classes. She had a huge and diverse library and retained what she read so well that she could be a Jeopardy champion. She truly was a lifelong learner!

Pat was a selfless and dedicated volunteer with many organizations, such as Read Saskatoon, Inner city ministry, and St. Martin’s church, serving in many capacities. She guided and mentored Keith Hall through his journey to become a minister. Her work with Ministry by Phone was especially important to her. She had just recently joined the Legion which was very near and dear to her. This year before Easter I asked if she would be coming up, she told me that she wanted to be home at Easter as it was most special when she was at St. Martin’s Church.

In March and April of this year, Pat participated in the GEM Program (Geriatric Evaluation and Management program) at City Hospital. As noted from the sympathy card sent from everyone that met her, she touched many lives there with her spark and style. She so enjoyed it that she was in the process to volunteer as she felt it was such a good program.

So how to close? There are still so many stories to tell. There are still so many people whose lives Pat has impacted. We could be here all day! What a beautiful full life. What a legacy of intelligence, caring and style. How lucky are we to have been in Pat’s life and how thankful we are for it.

Rest easy our sweet dear,

You are free of pain,

You are together with God and our loved ones.

Till we meet again

We all love you.

Pat was predeceased by her mother, Edna (1993); father, Doug (2012); brother, Kelly (2012); Grandma Janet Boyd (1986); Grandma Dora Stuart (1988); sister-in-law Pat (2020). She is survived by brothers Bob and David (Alice); sister, Janice (Cliff), sister-in-law, Pauline; and many nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.

A Celebration of Life for Patricia Anne Stuart will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Grace Westminster United Church (505 10th Street East, Saskatoon, SK).

For those unable to attend in person, Pat’s service may be viewed on Facebook “Grace-Westminster United Church” or on YouTube “Grace-Westminster United Church”.

Donations in Pat’s memory may be directed to St. Martin’s United Church (2617 Clarence Avenue South, Saskatoon, SK S7J 1M5). Auntie Pat touched so many people. If you have a memory you would like to share with the family please send it to [email protected]

Arrangements entrusted to Ryan Lensen.