Patricia "Patsy" Abbott

Patricia “Patsy” Abbott was born on 24th February 1938 in Vancouver. Her father, Peter Leth, emigrated from Denmark at the age of 18, while her mother, Vera Wiatkin, was born in rural Saskatchewan and raised in Vancouver. Patsy attended Queen Mary Elementary School and Lord Byng Secondary School in Point Grey before graduating from the University of British Columbia in 1960. In October 1960, Patsy married Bill, whom she had met during their first-year physical education course at UBC, a mandatory class for all students at the time. That autumn, they both began teaching high school in Campbell River. In 1965, Patsy made the decision to leave teaching and focus on raising her family. They retired to West Vancouver in 1997. Patsy and Bill enjoyed 52 years of love and companionship until Bill’s passing in 2012. Patsy missed him deeply every day. Travel was one of their shared passions, and together they explored Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. After Bill’s death, Patsy continued her travels, both independently and with family. Over the years, she revisited Denmark and embarked on her first trip to Iceland. Her final adventure came just last year when she revisited Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, Arches National Park, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, and the Grand Canyon with her son. Patsy also maintained a lifelong interest in current events. Patsy is survived by a loving family: children, David, Alexandra (Rob); grandchildren Rebecca, and Kate (Rich), Juliet (Brayden); sister Rosemary Van Heukelom; nieces and nephews Willy, Morgan, Skyler, and Holly; as well as her beloved pets, the family dog Ginger, and cats Teddy, Theo, Rocky, and Monty. Patsy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She passed away on 25th February 2025. Graveside service at Capilano View Cemetery will be held at a date to be determined.