Sheena (Crawford) Patterson

Of Scottish – Irish Heritage, her parents – Andrew Aitken Brown Crawford and Jean Isobel Kirtley, both Veterans of World War I, serving in France, her Father in a Scottish Regiment and her Mother as a nurse. They first immigrated to Canada in 1928 with 3 children and farmed in Watson’s settlement, New Brunswick. Two more children were born; Maureen in 1928 and Sheena in 1931. Due to her Mother’s health, they returned to Scotland, moving to Derbyshire, England and then to Leicester City after World War II. In 1949 the Crawford’s decided to come back to Canada, moving to Kincardine, Ontario. Sheena loved Kincardine and embracing everything Canadian, Kincardine became her “Home Town”. She started to work at Greta’s Beauty Salon and became a licensed hairdresser.

Sheena met Jim Patterson in 1950 when he was visiting relatives in the area. She moved to St. Catharines in January 1954, opening her Beauty Shop on Lake Street and she and Jim married in Grace Anglican Church. Their first son, Andy, was born and upon the birth of their second son, John, she retired from hairdressing and became a fulltime mother. Their third son, Rob, was born in 1958.

Sheena devoted her spare time in volunteer work at Connaught school, Secretary for the Canadian Council of the Blind and at Westminster United Church. She sang in the Choir, taught Sunday school, hospital visitor, United Church Woman and was Akela for the 3rd St. Catharines Cub Pack. In 1966 Sheena took a temporary job as cook, dietician at the home for the Blind, a job that lasted 5 years. She then worked as switchboard operator – House mother at the Mack School of Nursing. But, she found her greatest fulfilment when she began to work at Associated Services (now Community Care). Hired as a receptionist, she went on to become Executive Director. Her work there, assisted by a wonderful crew of volunteers, was challenging, heartwarming, heart breaking but always interesting. She retired in 1996.

When Jim retired they moved to their cottage in Inverhuron until Jim’s health necessitated that they return to St. Catharines living in the “Granny Flat” at Rob & Joy’s home.

Our mother was an avid reader, crossword puzzle fanatic, lover of classical music, the ballet, antiques and the great outdoors. Her childhood hero was Winston Churchill and she collected a sizeable amount of his books and memorabilia. She took enjoyment from searching in Antique stores, flea markets and garage sales in hopes of adding to her collection. She was a member of the Winston Churchill Society, Toronto Branch. Our mother was the last member of her family. Predeceased by her parents, her brother John R.N. (killed at Sea 1942), Andrew Jnr, R.N., Sisters Margaret Graham and Maureen Cochran.

She leaves to mourn, her son’s John (Ellen Boone) and Rob (Joy Strickland), her wonderful grandchildren, Andy Patterson (Suzie Giroux) Julie Rubel (Ian), Craig Patterson (Natalie Currie) Heather Patterson (Marco Trujillo) Atlanta, USA and Scott Patterson (Melissa Fuller) Ottawa, Ont. Was “Granny” to her amazing Great Grandchildren Sophia Patterson, Gavan and Ryan Rubel, Emily and Margaret Patterson, and Ronan Trujillo arriving in August 2018; several nieces and nephews in Canada, US, England and Finland. As well as her constant companion, her mixed breed dog, Arran Lake.

Sheena was a strong believer in palliative and end of life care. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please do so to Hospice Niagara or a charity of your choice.

The family will receive friends at the Hulse & English Funeral Home & Chapel, 75 Church Street, St. Catharines (905-684-6346)on Friday, April 13th from 2-4 and 7-9pm. A Celebration of Sheena’s life will be held on Saturday, April 14th, at 11am in the chapel of the funeral home. Cremation.