Born in Big Pond Centre, Nova Scotia, she was the youngest child of Dan and Margaret (MacDonald) MacLellan.
After exploring opportunities in health care, Pat found her true vocation as a teacher. She taught at St. Joseph’s School in Sydney, and then for many years taught Grade Primary at St. Joseph’s-Alexander MacKay School in Halifax, while earning her B.A. and M.A. She was devoted to her pupils and took great joy in seeing them open up like flowers, as she described it.
While living in Big Pond and commuting to Sydney, Pat happily offered a drive to college students and others along Route 4 who had no car but also needed to commute.
In many other ways, she lived a life of service to others. Family, friends and strangers alike benefited from her warmth and generosity. She shared a home with her mother, and then also with her sister Mary, becoming the primary caregiver for each in the last years of their lives.
Pat expressed her deep faith by volunteering for Hope Cottage and for the Daily Bread Outreach at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, frequent participation in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Theresa’s Church and her devotion to Our Lady of Medjugorje.
When her mobility became difficult and her health declined, Pat prayed that she would be able to live out her days at Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home. Her admission to Saint Vincent’s in 2012 gave her a new life and new opportunities for kindness toward everyone she met.
Survived by her sister, Sister Florence MacLellan, Antigonish, by her sister-in-law Catherine (Sydney), by her nieces and nephews, and by their own growing families.
Predeceased by her brothers Bernard, Martin (Elizabeth), Angus and Donald, and sisters, Angeline (John O’Connor), Mary, Catherine and Margaret.
Cremation has taken place. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary’s Church, Big Pond, Cape Breton at 10:30 am, Saturday November 28, Rev Antolin Asor, OSA presiding. Mass will be celebrated under Covid protocols. Burial in the Big Pond parish cemetery following Mass.
Thanks to the wonderful staff at Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home, past and present, who took such great care of Pat and made her life full. Thanks also to the many staff, residents, volunteers and visitors who took a moment to talk with her and perhaps share her pride in Cape Breton.
Donations in her memory may be made to Daily Bread Outreach c/o St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica or to the charity of your choice.
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