Patricia Gertrude DeLong

Born in Halifax, she was the daughter of the late Herbert Leander DeLong and Gertrude Agnes (O’Keefe) DeLong.

Patricia was a dedicated and loving caregiver, first as a mother and foster parent, next as a Personal Care Worker, then later in life as a dedicated volunteer for the Salvation Army in Halifax. She loved growing things, and spending time in nature. Her hobbies included sewing, pickling and gardening.

She is survived by her children Anthony Mocerino, New York; Michelle (Darrin) Corning, Greenwood; Christopher Boutilier, Hay River; and Jennifer(Lee) Solomon, Halifax. Her sister Caroline(Larry) Hamilton, Shubenacadie; and her brother John(Pat) DeLong, Cole Harbour.

Patricia was a proud grandmother of nine Meghan(Caleb) Prall; Hannah Corning, Abigail Corning, Sarah Corning, Ruth Corning, Angela Boutilier, Lisa Boutilier, Jacinda Solomon and Jared Solomon, and an aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Patricia was predeceased by her parents.

Visitation will be held at Cruickshanks Funeral home in Halifax, on Wednesday April 6th, 2016 in the evening from 6:30 – 8:30pm. And her funeral service will be held on Thursday April 7th, 2016 at 11 am both from Cruikshank’s Funeral Home 2666 Windsor St. In lieu of flower arrangements the family asks for potted perennial flowers that will be put into a memorial garden in Patricia’s memory. For online condolences please visit: www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com

To Make Me Who I Am" By Aaron Neville

I've walked through this world sometimes without a friend

My life has been up and down, been close to an end

But I've been through the mill

And I've paid my dues

Walked so many miles in different peoples shoes

But I've been through the fire

And I've walked in the rain

I've felt the joy and endured the pain

Once I was a schemer

But I always was a dreamer

But it took me who I was and where I've been

To make me who I am

I've met a lot of lost souls in the bowels of hell

Traveled some crooked roads, got some stories yet to tell

I've shot up with the junkie, in piss stench halls

Broken bread with the devil, fallen on my knees to god

Some days I was blessed, some nights I was damned

But I always tried to lend a helping hand

Once I was a deceiver

Not I am a believer

But it took me who I was and where I've been

To make me who I am

Oh, I've seen the little children, all strung out on dope

No one to care about them, living without hope

But I've been lucky that I always had a song

I'll sing it with compassion, to try to right the wrong.

Once my life was wretched

But why should I regret it

'cause, it took me who I was, and where I've been

To make me who I am

This is dedicated to my friends in jail

For my brother jake who had to ride the rail

For my friend roonie and melvin, who were so dear

They were so misunderstood

But I wish they were still here

To hear this song I sing from my heart

They're forever in my soul, even though we had to part

Once I was a deceiver

Not I am a believer

But it took me who I was and where I've been

To make me who I am

God said I forgive you

Wipe away the scars

Cause I know it took who you were

And where you came from

To make you who you are

Cause I know it took who you were

And where you came from

To make you what you are