Isobel Jean Patten

Born December 27, 1925 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Isobel Patten (nee Murray) spent her first six years in Canada, at which time her family returned to Scotland with her before settling in Portsmouth and then Bournemouth, England. She was the only daughter, amidst four brothers: Ron, Ken, Les and the only remaining sibling, Gordon.

During World War II, Isobel met her future husband of 61 years, Ken Patten, who was stationed in England with the Canadian Army. He happened to be in Bournemouth, visiting a cousin and was invited to a dinner, where he met Isobel. Over many visits they grew very close and by war’s end, had decided to marry.

After the war, Isobel joined with thousands of other War Brides and moved to Canada to start a new life in a new country. She sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, through the Panama Canal and eventually sailed into Vancouver Harbour just before Christmas, 1946, where she was reunited with Ken. They were married on January 10, 1947 and settled into building a happy life in Willingdon Heights, Burnaby. They raised four children: Lesley, Barry (Gail), Shirley and Judy (Michael) in their house. Isobel was very involved in the activities of her children, acting as a Brownie Leader and spending hours making dance costumes for Judy’s dance activities. She also worked part-time for many years in the drapery department of Eaton’s store at Brentwood Mall.

Isobel and Ken left a lasting legacy, with eight grandchildren: Michael, Leanne, Neil, Christopher, David, Andrew, Heather and Erica and five great grandchildren: Lauryn, Brayden, Beckett, Willa and Kaya. All of whom loved her very much.

Isobel and Ken left their house of 48 years and moved to a condominium in Coquitlam in 1994. They developed a keen interest in seeing the world, often over the rail of a cruise ship. One of the family’s fondest memories involved the M/V Norwegian Wind on an Alaska Cruise, when Grandma and Grandpa invited all 16 members of their family to join them on the cruise. Following the passing of her husband, Ken, in 2008, Isobel moved into Parkwood Manor, an Independent Living facility in Coquitlam, where she lived for the remainder of her life. She was recently honoured as the second-longest resident at Parkwood.

There will not be a service, at her specific request, so the family hopes that you will take a moment to remember Isobel in your own way.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialportcoquitlam.com for the Patten family.