Ruth Elizabeth Patey

Ruth Elizabeth ( Finn) Patey, aged 90, from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Parkland at the Lakes retirement home in Dartmouth. Ruth was the elder daughter of Margaret and John (Jack) Finn of Halifax. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Roger, and her son Gerry (Gerald). Ruth is survived by her son, Ron (Mae-Ling) Ottawa, a granddaughter, Kaitlyn Patey, Ottawa, and her sister, Nancy Crane, Halifax, as well as several nieces and a nephew.

Ruth grew up in Halifax and was a graduate of St Patrick’s High School and the Halifax Vocational School.

Ruth enjoyed meeting and talking with people everywhere she and Roger were stationed. They included RCAF bases in Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and a tour on exchange with the U.S. in Georgia.

Ruth and Roger also travelled to Europe, where she once got a lift from Major General Lewis Mackenzie when she was trying to get to an airport to meet Roger.

While on one of these vacations, Ruth spotted a member of the band The Monkees in a restaurant. She walked right over, struck up a conversation and got an autograph from band member Davy Jones for Ron. Ruth knew her son watched the band’s TV show every day. He still has that autograph today.

Ruth and Roger were avid sailors on their boat, Privateer, and very active members of Shearwater Yacht Club while living in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall Funeral Home, Dartmouth. Cremation has taken place. A funeral Mass and burial will take place in Dartmouth at a future date to be determined.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the Parkland at the Lakes facility for their care and attention to Ruth during the years she was a resident there. The family would also like to thank George and Glenda Carson for their wonderful friendship and care of Ruth for many years.