I first got to know my cousin Patsy when my parents were in a terrible accident in  1965.  She suddenly appeared on our doorstep and looked after us three kids, while my parents were in the hospital.  She was great,   Lots of fun and not one complaint about anything.  She really helped us when things were bad.  After my mom got out of the hospital, she stayed and helped us all.  I think she was with us for atleast a month that time.  Over the years we have had a few visits, but I wish we could have spent more time together.  I loved Patsy.  She had many hard times in her life, but I don't think she ever lost that zest for living.  I am looking forward to seeing her again on the otherside.

My first memory of Auntie Patsy was when she arrived in Calgary. An aunt that I had heard many stories of from Grandma but who I had never really met. Anyway, one of the first things she did was to take Leslie shopping - wow real jeans! Kevin was next on the shopping list - social suicide to be seen in those trousers that were 2 sizes too small and 6 inches too short. An adult who understood teenagers! Not only did she see that we were clothed but there was now edible food in the house too. As I grew up she continued to be the surrogate mother with always a great sense of humor and love of political speak when on the phone. I will miss her ability to laugh at herself and her love of life.

Thoughts to all of you there.

We are very sorry for your family's loss. When I was growing up and your mom was staying with us, we became very good friends and I will always remember her fondly. This time of the year is always tough when there is a loss.

We are at a two-year long planned reunion and family vacation so not able to do much. This might not aid the pain but should help with the financial strain that these events always incur.

I'll call you when we get back.

It was sad to hear of the death of your mother. Pat was so much a part of my life many years ago. She was the one who encouraged me to move to Albuquerque, where she introduced me to my future husband, Lloyd. For this I am ever grateful.

I know how hard it is to lose a loved one, there is great sadness now, but it will get better. She will always be in your heart. Remember the good times you had together, it will help relieve the pain you are feeling.

Take care.

When thinking of her I always think of her humour and a glint she would get in her eyes when something interested her. She loved people and conversation. She had a great sense of the ridiculous. Her short term memory was not always great and this had nothing to do with age. I recall Mo and I going to town with her and Celine - they were doing laundry; Mo and I were just gadding about. (This was at the Lintlaw - Kamsack reunion) Going back to the campsite took forever as part way there she would suddenly remember; "oh I forgot Jerry's beer" and we would go back to town, then it was the kids shoes or some such thing. I think we had to turn around at least 3 times. Celine was a bit exasperated. Within recent years whenever I collected her from Steven's I would always drive slowly especially if we were leaving town to see if she would remember something she had forgotten. Usually she had; either pills or glasses. Seems to me Gary Watkinson had to make a quick trip to retrieve her glasses before she boarded a plane home from B.C.

Another memory includes the time we decided to get rid of some liquor bottles that were in Grandma's house. We didn't really know how to do this so we simply loaded them into a child's wagon and hauled them to the "Lintlaw hotel" thinking they would know what to do with them. After some discussion the proprietor agreed to take them off our hands. Suddenly we were invited to sit down, have a drink and visit with the other customers, people we didn't know and we didn't have to pay for a thing. We laughed and had a good time and couldn't get over these nice people. Never did it occur to us that these people had thought that we were bringing empties into the "hotel" to be able to buy ourselves a drink when in fact we were doing Grandma a favor. On another one of our outings, this time to a vegetable farm near Sundre; Patsy fell into conversation with the owner and somehow convinced him to dig up what she wanted and carry them out to the car for us. While I was paying for these the person taking the money made a comment about my aunt being a "charmer". The proprietor did not usually help his customers out in this way.

She was my friend. She taught me how to make decent spaghetti sauce and also how to do laundry. To wash diapers and blue jeans together was not a good idea. I could tell her anything and she me. There was never a hint of condescension or disapproval; just acceptance and love. I will miss our visits and the fact that she will no longer be on the other end of the telephone. We are lucky in this life to have a few truly good friends and I truly feel her loss.

My first memory of Patsy was at the family reunion at Madge Lake in Saskatchewan - I think it was 1967. Patsy and her family were the very exotic relatives all the way from New Mexico. We especially remember Jeff as being the baby at that time, we thought he was the cutest kid ever. It was probably one of the first times that the size and differences in the world hit me as a small child. How is it possible for someone to get from Lintlaw to Albuquerque, and once in Albuquerque, come all the way back to Madge Lake? What a mysterious world we live in! We lost contact with Patsy and family after that, until Patsy moved to Winnipeg. I can tell you this: Larry and Celine treasured Patsy. They visited at each others' homes very often. It was obvious mom and dad and Patsy enjoyed each others' company. Mom and dad never stopped loving Patsy, worrying and caring for her, and wishing the best for her children. They frequently told us about her optimism, strength, courage and big heart.

When Patsy was around, you knew there were going to be three things every time: some wine, some politics and some laughter. I loved Patsy's politics - they always agreed with mine! And I loved her laugh - a big, hearty roar of a laughter - no polite tee-hee's for her!

In this past year, I was able to visit Patsy a number of times. She told me how very proud she is of her children and how much she appreciated every way you helped her this year. The way you have supported her has been the greatest gift you could have given her. It will be the gift she will carry with her forever. you should be very proud of yourselves; you have been loving, caring and tender children for your mother.

When Aunt Patsy, her family, and Kevin moved to Winnipeg I was introduced to an extended family that I never really had before. Though Celine has multiple siblings my extended family really consisted of all of you.

Even with limited opportunities to spend time with you in the past years I have strong memories and feelings of fondness, familiarity and comfort. Patsy always made me feel at peace, always made me feel special, she was warm and loving. Linda and I loved to hear Patsy laugh. She was such a happy, and joyful person. She was so giving. Aunt Patsy was part of the examples I have used to shape my life.

Linda, Mark, Matthew, Ryan, Sean and myself wish we could be there to share in your sadness but also to celebrate Patsy's life.

Larry and I have experienced a roller-coaster of emotions and have been covered by a blanket of sadness. How fortunate that Larry and I had a wonderful visit with Patsy only a month ago. Patsy and I had many conversations solving the world's problems and discussing you children. Patsy worried about you and your well-being. She loved you very much and thought the world of you and of course their partners and her grand-children. Patsy was special. We loved her. We hope you will carry on her integrity and her sense of humour. All our love.

Because of the difficult circumstances our mother found herself in during the depression years and the 1940's, she was forced to make decisions that separated her three children and as a result I did not spend much time with Patsy. After she moved to Winnipeg I got to know her better and came to admire her optimism and her courage. I enjoyed her sense of humour. I admired her ability to survive and to raise a close and loving family. Just like you, Celine and I will miss her.

I will always remember your mom as one of the kindest people I know. She was always there to offer a helping hand and did her best to make everyone feel comfortable and happy. I will miss our chats on the phone, her smile and deep hearty laugh. Your mom was a beautiful person and I will miss her dearly. I hope her and my mother are together again whooping it up and feeling great!

Pat was the grandmother of Jonathan, my Little Brother from Big Brothers, but she transcended that role for both me, and for Jonathan. She was always very interested in me, and my life - even outside of my relationship with her grandson, and even after I was married and had a family of my own. Pat was a wonderful woman, and will be missed.

To all of Pat's family, it is with heartfelt condolences to hear of your Mom's passing. She was a great person and an awesome friend of our Mother. I hope she is at peace and extend my family's sadness at your loss.

Thoughts and Prayer to your family and we will always miss your caring and kind ways, loving wishes for your whole family. Elsie and Ben and Family

We will miss our chats about how we loved the children!

To all of Patsey's dear family, our sincere sympathy.  We loved Patsey and will miss her, we always looked forward to our visits when in Wpg., always had good laughs and conversations.   She was a very warm, kind person and loved her family dearly.  Take care all of you, we are sorry we can't be there to say "good-bye" to her.  Love Rick & Bev

You will be missed. Your smile, your laughter, your listening ear. You were a wonderful neighbor and friend. Sincere sympathy to all your family. Love & prayers, Tom & Brenda Hiebert.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

 Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
 Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
 That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
 God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

 It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

 God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not  be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me. 

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family in this time of need.

OBITUARY

Patricia Claire Lenihan

April 12, 1937 – November 7, 2013

Thomson In The Park Funeral Home and Cemetery

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