Beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend passed peacefully July 23, 2022, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital
Born in Sydney, Pat was the daughter of the late John and Florence (MacInnis) LaFitte of Sydney. A proud North End girl, Pat found her lifelong love in a Pier boy named Chuck 50 years ago; they would have celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary this fall. She and Chuck were exceptionally proud of, and she will be eternally missed by their girls, Jessica (David), Halifax, and Ashley, Toronto.
Predeceased by her parents, parents in law, Charlie and Bridget Drohan, brother Winston, sister in law Anne Marie McNabb, brothers in law Donnie and Al, as well as her niece Sara. Pat is also survived by sister Catherine (David), Montreal; Michelle (Don), Sydney, and Ron (Lynne Anne), East Bay. Also left to mourn are her friend of 70 years, Linda Gallant, Sydney, brothers-in-law Ray, Jerry (Arlene), Terry, and Sandy McNabb, sisters-in-law Patricia (Donnie), and Nancy Drohan and her many nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Holy Angels and Henson College (Dalhousie) , Pat spent her entire professional life in social services. She began her career with the City of Sydney where she became the first female department head in the city. She made many life-long friends through her work and always enjoyed spending time with “the Old City Crew”. She later joined the province of Nova Scotia’s Department of Community Services until her retirement in 2004.
Following her retirement, Pat volunteered with the An Cala palliative care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, where the smell of her apple crisp baking in the kitchen brought comfort to many families. She was an integral part of the volunteer team from St. Marguerite Bourgeoys parish who prepared a home for a Syrian family. She also worked as a litigation guardian for adults in need of protection.
This “Queen of Queens” will be deeply missed by Sharon MacIntyre and the Ironville girls, with whom she shared countless laughs and made many memories. She was grateful for their years of fun, friendship, and support. She fondly remembered summers by the campfire in Dunvegan, where the playlist often included her greatest hit, the Toaster Song. Pat and Chuck later found their little piece of paradise in Irish Vale, where they spent many wonderful days with friends, family, and Irish Vale neighbours.
Pat made clear she wanted this message to be one of gratitude and love to all the people who made her life special, but we are the ones who are thankful to have shared our lives with her. With both compassion and tenacity, Pat was her family’s rock from an early age. She was her happiest when surrounded by great friends and good tunes. She had a soft spot for all animals (except racoons) and took many lucky cats under her wing. Anyone who knew her will miss her quick wit and incredible sense of humour.
The family expresses our gratitude to Dr. Paul Murphy, Dr. Ron McCormick, Dr. Lucy Helyer, and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital’s palliative care team for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre or the Cape Breton SPCA.
A visitation will be held at TW Curry Parkview Chapel on Monday, August 1st from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A funeral mass will be held the following day at St Marguerite Bourgeoys at 11am, interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Sydney Forks. Memories and condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
