Miss Patricia Isabel Edward

On January 9th, in her 86th year of life, Pat dawned her wings and soared to heaven. After reuniting with her mother, Marie Goodall (Waldorf) Edward, her father, Dr. James Ferguson Edward, and her sister, Ellen Jane (Edward) Bain, Pat became a guardian angel to her family, and many friends.

Born on April 10, 1933, Pat was always the director of her life’s journey.

Pat was a Registered Nurse. In 1955 she graduated from the Winnipeg General Hospital (WGH) School of Nursing. She began teaching at the School of Nursing, and then went on to study and graduate from the University of Saskatchewan with a BA of Science in Nursing. Early in her career, Pat worked for the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) as a Public Health Nurse. Pat obtained a diploma in Teaching and Administration from the University of Saskatchewan, and began working as the Assistant to the Director of Nursing at the Winnipeg Clinic in 1966. Pat worked as a Surgical Nurse Supervisor until 1970 when she became the first Nurse Practitioner at the Winnipeg Clinic. In 1974 Pat assisted Dr. Helen Glass and the University of Manitoba in the development of a community Health Program. She then returned to the Health Sciences Centre as the Coordinator of Nursing. In 1981 Pat took on the role of Provincial Coordinator for the National Breast Screening Program. Pat founded the Mastectomy Visitation Program in Manitoba for the Canadian Cancer Society in 1984. She became the Infection Control Nurse for Seven Oaks Hospital in 1991, where she retired in 1993.

Pat received many awards and accolades during her nursing career including the Gold Award from the Canadian Cancer Society, Excellence in Professional Nursing, Clinical from the Manitoba Association of Registered Nurses, the Cross of Honour from the Health Sciences Centre, and the YMCA Woman of the Year Award where Pat was recognized for her “exemplary contributions to education and to supportive care of cancer patients. Pat played a pivotal role in the development of an effective mastectomy visitation service, as well as the establishment of Lennox Bell Lodge, a hostel facility for cancer patients and their families….”

Pat had a very distinguished nursing career, and volunteered countless hours for the Manitoba Division of the Canadian Cancer Society where she was Chairperson of the Lodge Committee, and a member of the Board of Directors. She was also a Board Member for the Medic Alert Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The Epidemiology Unit of the National Cancer Institute of Canada received a letter in 1988, “Words can never express the range of feelings as you are called back, go through a biopsy, then wait for results. Throughout, Pat Edward, was always there to support. She answered endless questions, gave me a shoulder and held my hand. I will always be grateful that someone like Pat was there. I am sure others in Winnipeg feel the same way. But she made me feel as though there was no one else quite as important as myself when I most needed it.”

Pat always looked forward to attending the annual nursing reunion of the WGH, and remained very connected to her nursing classmates. Pat was Alumni President from 1961-1963, and class Representative for many years. In 2003 Pat received the Honorary Life Membership for outstanding service to the Association and the nursing profession.

Pat loved to learn. She opened her mind through her academic studies, her nursing career, and through travel. She explored Canada and the United States, enjoyed several cruises, a trip to Japan, as well and many trips to Europe.

Pat was always very fashionable. She loved collecting treasures, writing, researching family history, and she really enjoyed a good mystery! It must be said that Pat cheered loudly, and was ever faithful to her Blue Bombers, and her Blue Jays.

Pat never married, but she was a dedicated aunt, sister, daughter, and friend. She was a caregiver to several seniors, and cared tenderly for her mother in Marie’s later years.

Pat was truly progressive. “She believed that nurses could take on more independent responsibilities for the health care of individuals.” She also believed that women could do whatever they put their minds to. She supported family and friends in their endeavours, trials, and victories. She always had a listening ear, and a supportive word. When she donned her proverbial ‘nurses’ cap’ she was a force to be reckoned with!

Pat will be fondly remembered by her family in Nipawin, and all her loved ones scattered through North America, including her niece, Allison Haskins, Allison’s husband Ian, and their children Talisa, and Eric. Pat will be sadly missed by her classmates, and friends.

A heartfelt thank you to Betty Wheeler for her kindness, and love.

Immeasurable gratitude, love, and ‘Hershey’s kisses’ to dear friend, Kathy Wolos.

Special thanks to the Third Floor Team at Oakview Place for their many years of care and support.

Cremation has taken place.

Pat will go home to Nipawin, Saskatchewan this summer, where she will rest with her mother, father, sister, and infant brother, in the Ravine Bank Pioneer’s Cemetery after a ‘Celebration of Life’.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Health Sciences Centre Foundation, 820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1R9