Obituary of Alice Irene Patriquin

Alice Irene Patriquin Our dear Nan passed away on Sept 30th at Extendicare in Haileybury, ON in her 98th year. Alice Irene Patriquin was born on March 12th, 1922 in Matabitchewan and lived a largely pioneer life on the family farm in Silver Centre, before moving to the family home in Cobalt. She used to tell us stories about her childhood memories. Like how she would stuff her uncomfortable tights into a hole in the stump of a tree on the walk to the one room school-house, and put them back on before returning home. She could remember riding in a horse drawn sleigh in the winter time, all bundled up and warm, looking up at the brilliant stars and sky as they went. As a young woman, she lived briefly in Niagara Falls working jobs to assist with the war effort. Upon returning to the north, she met and married her late husband Robert Melbourne Patriquin on Aug. 15th, 1944. Throughout her life, Nan’s main interest was her family. She loved us all unconditionally and was always there to listen, encourage, praise, advise, sympathize, laugh, and hug tightly. She loved to cheer her grandchildren on whether they were competing at horse shows or skiing down mountains. She was always happiest in the outdoors camping, canoeing, and listening to the call of the loon. She enjoyed skiing, curling, swimming, beautiful flowers, reading, writing poetry, and she was a very talented artist. She won the People’s Choice Award with her oil paintings several times at the Temiskaming Art Gallery. During her final 3 years, Extendicare was her home. She had many special friends and caregivers there whom she loved dearly, and they loved her. The following was written for her by one of the many compassionate caregivers at Extendicare. So Lucky To Have You A few days ago we met And I saw the stars collide Shining and shimmering They danced across the sky We sang a song of happiness A tune we won’t forget With rhythm, time, and harmony Love’s most perfect duet As the days fly by Our friendship grows With new notes and chords Our song will transpose The verses change and deepen But the chorus holds the clue Repeating five special words “So lucky to have you” Written by Casandra Hearn Rene is predeceased by her parents Lilian and Harry Miller, siblings Eddy, Roy, Ethel, and her husband Robert Patriquin. Rene is survived by her siblings Gladys Wilcox and Stan Miller. Also by her daughter Gwen and her husband Bill Megens as well as her grandchildren Melissa Kensett (Jason), Martin Megens (Jaclyn), and Maria McLean (Thomas). Cherished great grandmother of William, Lily, Lauryn, Cole, John and Wesley. We will all miss her so much. Some things that will always remind us of her include her famous crab-apply jelly, geraniums, bird feeders, short bread cookies, Grandad’s favourite lemon meringue pie, and a vibrant shade of red. Be wild like the loons Nan, you are free. Cremation has taken place and a family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions to Tri-Town Extendicare Nursing Home will be gratefully accepted.