Patricia Bernice Veronica Dodd

Pat was a vibrant woman, a loving, warm-hearted spouse and wonderful sister who will be so deeply missed by all who knew her. A brilliant, compassionate and unforgettable nurse, Pat was trained by the nursing sisters of Gerard Hall, and employed at the Old Halifax Infirmary, the Old Camp Hill Hospital and finally at the IWK Children’s Hospital where she was endearingly known as “Nurse Pat” by patients and their grateful families alike. Pat also earned a certificate in dialysis in her last years at the IWK, developing her considerable nursing skills even further. A series of serious health challenges and setbacks unfortunately led to Pat’s early retirement from her profession. But, always positive, exceptionally brave and never defined by her illnesses, Pat was determined to enjoy life as much as possible. In addition to memorable times spent sampling cottage life along the South Shore, Pat always created her own state of well-being through meditation, music and art — a lucky few may have one of her unique papièr maçhè sculptures of animals in rocking chairs, playing the violin, or in some other whimsical pose. One of her greatest pleasures in her final years was to closely observe the birds and squirrels in the old jack pines outside her window while perched in her beloved condo, “The Crow’s Nest", overlooking Melville Cove. Always generous, Pat's gifts were often illuminated, literally, reflecting her own inner light and deep, fierce love of life that shone so brightly. At any gathering of friends or family, you could be sure that when laughter arose it would be Pat at the centre of the hilarity. Open-minded, fair and wise, kind and tender-hearted, you could turn to Pat for anything, whether to seek personal counselling, invaluable medical advice or just to fondly reminisce about quirky family history. Pat and her sister Mary, lifelong best friends and "partners in crime", loved to recall all the daring and even risky adventures they had as kids, thanks to the long leashes which allowed them wonderful, freedom-filled childhoods. As teens they would iron each others' hair while listening to The Beatles on the radio, then disco-danced and partied into their twenties before, comparatively-speaking, "settling down". Their close, intuitive connection was always deeply valued by both. Pat will also be cherished and remembered for her gentle and playful spirit. She loved the sound of peepers in the spring, the waves on Conrad's Beach, and songbirds in the trees. She always had a soothing touch for people who were suffering. Always so humble and giving, Pat was deeply loved by her wife, Marion, and will be missed but never forgotten. May she live on in the memories of those who truly knew her.

Pat’s family is simply heart-broken to announce her passing. The daughter of the late Gregory A. Dodd and Bernice E. Dodd (Hunter), Pat was pre-deceased by sister Ellen and brother David; her first wife, Debbie Zinck; her dear friend Brenda Hebert; by niece, Ellen; and by numerous feline friends. She is survived by her devoted, tender-hearted and loving wife of fourteen joyous, laughter-filled years, Marion Petite; her sisters Marilyn, Carol, Cathy and Mary (David); her brothers John and Chris (Catherine); many nieces and nephews; by her beloved cat, Sugar; and by her many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hope for Wildlife, the SPCA or to Crohn's and Colitis Canada.

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you."