Patricia Doris Durrant

Suddenly, on Monday, February 1, 2021, Patricia Doris Durrant (Higgins), a long-term resident of Kelowna, BC died. With the help of a friend and the work of the paramedic team, she was brought to the Kelowna General Hospital where she left us with her son Jim and granddaughter Sara at her side.

Pat was born on May 11,1943 in Kenora, Ontario to James Patrick Higgins and Winifred Maud Higgins (Jefford), the second of what was to become a family of five girls. The five sisters often referred to themselves by their number in the family order. She was named after her father Jim with whom she shared an abundant head of auburn hair and her mother’s sister Doris, whom she both resembled and remained close to throughout her life.

Pat married her childhood sweetheart, Cecil J. Frank Durrant of Keewatin, Ontario on July 23,1960 at the Knox United Church in Kenora, with a joyous family celebration following at the family home on Park Street. Pat’s wedding epitomized how she lived her life - close friends and family, coming together to make a personal and beautiful celebration filled with love, laughter, and music.

Pat brought a sense of contentment to her life - she found the joy in small things, attracted people like a moth to a flame and could make anything feel like a celebration. She savored the moments, danced, sang though she was off key, and turned strangers into friends even if for a fleeting moment.

Pat and Cec, moved from Keewatin to Thompson, Manitoba for work in the early 60’s with a toddler and a young baby. Later they settled in Calgary for a number of years, from there moving to the Okanagan, first to Vernon BC and finally Kelowna where Pat remained until her own death after losing Cec to cancer in 1994. Pat loved the Okanagan, proud of its wineries, orchards, the lake and all its beauty and made sure her family got to enjoy it when visiting.

Pat was pre-deceased by her parents, Jim (1980) and Win (1999), her husband Cecil (1994) and her eldest son Jeff (2019). She is survived by her son Jim (Betty), her grandchildren Sara (Greg), Stacey (Mark), Kyle (Margaret) and Chandra (Sheldon) and her 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her four sisters, Bev Hinton (Winnipeg), Janice Edwards (Kenora), Nancy Higgins-Boomgaardt (Ottawa) and Jamie Skoczylas (Port Mouton).

Though Pat, her husband and children lived in many places, part of her always remained a Kenora girl and she will come to rest at the Kenora cemetery along with ashes of her eldest son Jeff and beside her beloved husband Cecil. A celebration of her life will follow at a later time.

This quote was an inspiration to Pat and she liked to share these words with others.

The nicest place to be is in

someone’s thoughts

The safest place to be is in

someone’s prayers

The best place to be is in

God’s hands.

May you rest in peace Pat.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299