Patricia Marilyn Hiatt Kozoway

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Patricia Marilyn Kozoway, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a friendly, cheerful person who truly cared about those around her.

      Patricia was born on December 14, 1924 at the Drumheller Hospital (which is now the Drumheller Health Centre) in Drumheller, Alberta, Canada. She was the daughter of George and Mary Hiatt, (Mary's maiden name was Bernot). Raised in Drumheller, Alberta, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Patricia was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Patricia was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Patricia was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, Patricia also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. Patricia was raised with four siblings. She had two sisters, Velma and Geraldine, and two brothers, George and Alfred. Patricia was constantly involved in activities with her family. Patricia and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Growing up, Patricia was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. She was content to entertain herself. Patricia was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, she was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything she did as a child, Patricia was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around her. Patricia took part in a number of activities as a child. She took part in hiking and swimming. She was an excellent swimmer and at one time actually rescued her brother from the water. She enjoyed playing baseball and actually had her father as her coach. In her spare time she liked to read and play cards. In her teen-age years enjoyed playing bridge. Patricia's memorable achievements included completing grade 4 and entering straight into grade 6, allowing her to skip grade 5. She also graduated from grade 12 at the early age of 16.

      Patricia enjoyed learning. She always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Patricia was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. She often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Patricia was painstaking and accurate in her efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. She graduated from Drumheller Central School in 1940. Patricia enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Literature and English.

      Most folks would say that Patricia was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Patricia was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. Because of this, Patricia best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Patricia kept. While growing up, some of her best friends were the Christianson twins, Joan and Patricia. Later in life, she became friends with Sonia Buck, sister-in-laws Ann Todorow, Jean & Mary Kozoway, Mrs. Carmichael, Mrs. Slovach, Mrs. O'Neil, Mrs. Purvis, and Florence from AGT.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Patricia. On December 21, 1945 Patricia married Dimmie Kozoway at a Civil ceremony in Edmonton, Alberta. She was totally committed to Dimmie and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. Although Patricia disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Patricia was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. She set a good example instilling good habits in health and nutrition. Because she trusted emotions, Patricia was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her. In addition, Patricia was a master planner. Patricia was blessed with four daughters, Elizabeth (Betty), Joyce, Barbara, Carol, who then blessed her with eight grandchildren: Mark, Kim, Sean, Laurel, Crystal, Greg, Darren, Carmen. Sadly she was predeceased by infant granddaughers: Kathryn & Kristine.

      If you gave Patricia a deadline, she would meet it. At work, Patricia was always on task. Without hesitation, Patricia could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation was an office worker and telegrapher (pre-computer). She was employed for years at the Alberta Government Telephone Company (AGT) which later became Telus. During that time, Patricia excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. She was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Patricia was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say.

      Patricia liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Patricia's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Patricia preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were reading and recording videos. Patricia was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself and could often be found just reading which was her favorite pastime.

      Throughout her later years, Patricia was an active member of the Weight Watchers and Alanon. Patricia was a valued and respected member of the workforce Alberta Government Telephone which later became Telus. Her retirement banquet was well attended by 300 people.  She was an individual who respected and maintained traditional values. Her compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in her personal beliefs. During that time, she was encouraging of her daughters' participation in sunday school and CGIT.

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Patricia had smooth sailing. She enjoyed travelling with family. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Ontario, New York, Prince George, Florida and Kelowna.

      Patricia had a dog, a Boston Bull Terrier, named Sugar, who was her best friend for 13/14 years. Her family was rounded out by her cat Ballou, a Siamese and "Meanie", a Persian and her many goldfish. Patricia was as loyal to her pets as they were to her, she treasured them..

      When Patricia's retirement finally arrived in 1985, she was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to Kelowna, two years after retirement. In retirement, she found new pleasure in her grandchildren, reading and movies. She made a few new acquaintances. She enjoyed family get togethers.

      Patricia passed away on March 13, 2012 at the Ethel Glen Unit at Cottonwoods in Kelowna, BC. She died of pneumonia and had been aflicted with Alzheimers for many years. She is survived by her daughters and son-in-laws: Betty (Norman Zaseybida), Joyce (Eugene Petryshyn), Barbara (Barry Gordichuk), Carol (Donald Smith), brothers and sister-in-laws: George (Joyce) Hiatt, Alfie (Lorrie) Hiatt, sister-in-law Hannah McCue, brother-in-law Earl Nelson, grandchildren: Mark, Kim, Sean, Laurel, Crystal, Greg, Darren, Carmen, great grandchildren: Alyssa, Cassidy, Ethan, Georgia, Samuel, Paige and Keith, Evan, Amy and Olivia. Services were held at First Memorial Funeral Home in Kelowna, BC. In August of 2012, the family will inter mom's ashes in the cemetery where their father was laid to rest in Mundare, Alberta.

     Patricia liked a quiet, orderly peaceful home. Patricia was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. she had a great sense of humor. she used idioms to great advantage. She was thorough, tactful and practical. She will be missed.

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It is with great sorrow that we note the passing of Patricia Kozoway, wife, mother, daughter, and friend. She leaves to mourn her loss, her daughters Betty [Norm] Zaseybida, Joyce [Eugene] Petryshyn, Barbara [Barry] Gordichuk, and Carol [Donald] Kozoway. She had many grandchildren: Laurel, Crystal, Mark, Kim, Sean, Gregory, Darren and Carmen and their families. She also had many great-grandchildren: Samuel, Georgia, Alyssa, Cassidy, Ethan, Evan, Amy, Olivia, Paige, and Keith. She also leaves behind her brothers Alfred [Lorrie] Hiatt and George [Joyce] Hiatt; brother in law Earl Nelson all of The Pas, Manitoba, and sister in law Hannah McCue in Mesa, Arizona and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Dimmie, infant granddaughters: Kathryn and Kristine, her sisters Geraldine Nelson and Velma Bentson. Patricia was born and raised in Drumheller, Alberta and loved to walk in the Badlands. She married Dimmie Kozoway and lived for many years in Vegreville, Alberta where they raised their four daughters. In her younger years, Patricia worked for the Treasury Branch and for the CN as a telegrapher. When her children were older she worked for AGT and Telus, retiring in 1985. She later moved to Kelowna in 1987 and lived here until her passing. Mom volunteered at Quigley Elementary helping with reading and marking math drills and spelling tests. She was a cheerful individual who loved her family, reading (especially the Edmonton Journal), all kinds of music, crossword puzzles, and little adventures or travels. She always had many treasured dogs and cats in her life.

The family is grateful for the care she received in Ethel Glen at Cottonwoods. We know they will miss this beautiful lady who loved to yodel and sing funny songs.

Memorial service will be held at First Memorial Funeral Home, 1211 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna on Friday, March 23, 2012 at 2:30 PM. The service could be viewed live, by visiting www.firstmemorialkelowna.com In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimers' Association would be appreciated. Condolences maybe sent to the family by visiting www.mem.com and searching her name under stories. Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial funeral Services, Kelowna, BC (250)762-2299.