Patricia was born on Saint Patrick’s Day in Epsom, England, the daughter of Elsie (Griffiths) and William J. Merifield. She was the youngest of four children, growing up amid the violence and loss of the London Blitz, later relocating to Cornwall and Nuneaton.
Patricia was predeceased by Mewburn, her beloved husband of 68 years. Married in England, the couple emigrated to Toronto, eventually settling in Halifax. Together they had six children, ten grandchildren, with eleven great-grandchildren so far.
Patricia was kind and gentle in nature, with a quiet strength of character. She was an animal lover from an early age, caring for a wide range of pets, both small (mice) and large (horses). Her home was always full of noisy life, with hamsters, guinea pigs, bunnies, cats, and dogs, not to mention all the children. Fortunately, Patricia was endlessly patient and big-hearted; there was always room for one more stray kitten or puppy. On one occasion, Patricia came home from a walk with a lost, very large, Newfoundland dog, thankfully reunited with her sailor-owner before his ship left port.
Among her many interests, Patricia especially loved reading, gardening, art, and music. She developed an impressive knowledge of opera and was even a guest on an opera quiz show. In later life, Patricia and Mewburn enjoyed travelling, often to attend theatre and opera productions. A highlight was a trip to Hong Kong and Australia, where she didn’t miss a chance to cuddle a koala bear.
Patricia’s family was the center of her life. Her home was warm and happy, and her children were so lucky to have her as their mother. Her own welfare was secondary to that of her family, and she never missed a birthday, school play, or sporting event. She was also a wonderful cook, with a special talent for baking.
Patricia worked for several years at the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre, before starting a small business with her husband. At various times, she volunteered at the IWK (Grace Maternity Hospital), the former NS Art Gallery on Coburg Road, and the Nova Scotia SPCA.
Sorely missed, she will remain in our hearts forever. Predeceased by husband, Mewburn; parents Elsie and William J.Merifield; brothers John Wynne Merifield (killed serving in WWII), and William Merifield; sister Susie Jeffcoate (Peter); niece Anne Peace (John); and much-loved grandson Wesley Moss. Survived by son Bryan (Cathy); daughters Jane (Brian Lowe), Sally, Pippa (Richard DeWolfe), Susan (Geoffrey Cannon), and Alison (Bryan Moss); grandchildren, Mark Wood (Anna), Michelle Wood, Michael Lowe, Jennie (Colin MacDonald), Patrick Lowe (Gina), Johanna (Jean-Manuel Conil-Lacoste), Vincent DeWolfe (Melanie), Paul DeWolfe, Christopher Cannon (Courtney), and Kathleen Moss; eleven great-grandchildren.
Sincere thank you to Sue Battersby-Campbell and the palliative care and EHS teams, Dr. Ken Rockwood, Dr. Allegra Lywood, Dr. Kim Plaxton, Amber, Dolly, Sherry, Julia, and many others from Bayshore, and Bev Cox. In honour of Patricia, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia SPCA, or any preferred charity would be appreciated.
A CORNISH BLESSING
Deep peace of the Running Wave to you;
Deep peace of the Flowing Air to you;
Deep peace of the Quiet Earth to you;
Deep peace of the Shining Stars to you;
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.
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