Patricia E. HILL

Patricia E. Reid June 9, 1924 - July 16, 2005 Pat passed away Saturday, July 16, 2005 in the warm embrace of her family, after a brief illness. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and many, many friends. Born in Manston, Kent on the Isle of Thanet in England, Pat was the daughter of the late Charles and Lizzie Hill. Pat's father was a bandmaster in the RAF, which meant her early years were spent posted on various airbases throughout England and in Malta, in the years preceding WWII. When Pat was 14, her mother was afflicted with pleurisy and she and her younger sister Sylvia became the responsibility of their dear sister Ann. Orphaned at 18, Pat developed a strong sense of family and responsibility. While living in Aldershot and doing war work in 1941, she met her husband, Mike, who was serving with the 8th Canadian Hussars, and after a brief courtship, they were married. While Mike was serving in Italy, their first child Cheryl was born in 1944. Mike was injured and shipped home in May 1945, just as the war ended, but it was almost another year before Pat and Cheryl set sail for Canada on the Queen Mary, arriving in Pier 21 in Halifax in May of 1946. The courage and commitment Pat needed to leave her home and family in England, for her husband and new life in Canada, was a testimony to her character and sustained her throughout her life. Pat and Mike set up housekeeping on the Salisbury Rd. on a working farm. According to Pat, it was Mike's mother, Lottie, who welcomed her warmly and provided the nurturing guidance that was instrumental in helping her cope with the rigors of life in rural Canada. Pat's lifelong friendship with Peg and Bill was forged at this time and was to become a constant source of comfort and support as she began her life in Canada and through the many challenges she faced, including the loss of her daughter Gail, and her husband. Throughout the years and while raising their family in Campbellton and Riverview, Pat created a home that became a hub for all their kids and a large extended circle of friends. Everyone was welcome and there was always another plate or glass to share. Over the years Pat did volunteer work for the Anglican churches in Campbellton and Riverview, the Soldiers Memorial Hospital Auxilliary and was a Brownie and Cub leader in Campbellton. One of her cherished groups was the Overseas Warbrides Association, from which she garnered much support, strong friendships and great camaraderie. Pat's forte was her ability to organize and mobilize a celebration. Whether it was in support of Mike's military connections, a family special occasion or just because<$>.. , over the years she and Mike hosted many good family gettogethers and celebrations. Pat's greatest legacy was her ability to nurture and sustain her close and loving family. Her greatest joys were her grandchildren and more recently her great grandchildren, Benjamin, Abigail, Adam and baby Cameron, who arrived on June 25, 2005 and whom, despite her weak health, she was able to welcome into the fold. Pat's fondest wish had been to join her sister Sylvia from Australia on a trip home to England. Cheryl and her family, Pam, Heather and her daughter Carly were able to take Pat to Aldershot in April this year for a lovely 2 week visit. She was able to reconnect with her sister and reunite with extended family, who came from far and wide to visit her and generously extended their hospitality to the travelers. Pat will be sadly missed by her daughters, Cheryl Wetmore (Clyde) Mississauga, Ont. and their children Jennifer (Jason) and Jon (Liz), Pam Reid (Jock English), Halifax. Heather Hawkes (Michael), Halifax and their children Sean and Carly; son Robert, Riverview and his sons, Alex and Ryan and her sister, Sylvia Grey of Seymour, Australia. She is predeceased by her husband, Murray (Mike) and daughter, Gail, as well as her parents, and her brothers Charles Hill of UK and Reginald Hill (Mickey) of Ontario; sisters, Nora Ewings of Australia, Ann Spicer of UK, and Eileen Bumphrey of BC. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Pat's life will be held at St. John the Baptist Anglican Church on Friday, July 22, 2005 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Breast Cancer Foundation or the charity of your choice. www.fergusonknowlesfh.com [Times & Transcript]