PATRICIA O’DONNELL
Mom passed away peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday February 21st at St Boniface Hospital.
She leaves behind her treasured and loving family - son Michael (Tamara), daughter Erin (Brian); grandchildren Janzen (Darby), Zachary, Ashley, Nicole, Rachel; great grandchildren Ben and Mckenna, and her beloved cat Taffee.
Mom was predeceased by Dad Laurie in 1998 and her parents, two sisters, two brothers, and furry family Sandy, Tawny, Mitch, Muffin, Katie, and Odee. She also leaves treasured friends Ina and Bonnie and was very appreciative of the support of long-time friends Barb and Lynn during her final months.
Mom was born in 1936 in Cape Breton Nova Scotia in a large family. She attended a convent school before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1955 where she met RCAF pilot Laurie. Over their 42 years, they traveled broadly while also living in England and Africa. Every country in Europe was visited. They returned back to Canada in 1966 with two-year-old son Michael, initially settling in Montreal where daughter Erin was born. They moved to Winnipeg in late 1969 and despite the cold winters, they loved the city and its residents, and this was to be their ongoing home.
Mom and Dad were active community members with both involved with the Royal Canadian Legion (Dad was president) and the Army Navy where they had many friends. Mom volunteered at Health Sciences Center, Seven Oaks Hospital, and was a court services worker with the Elizabeth Fry Society. She was a long-time member of the St James Rhinestones (Royal Crown Jewels) spending many happy lunches with a delightful group of ladies, wearing their crazy red hats and purple finery. After Dad's passing, Mom traveled to the Caribbean several times and took a treasured cruise to Alaska with her 3 sisters, Eileen, Leona, and Della with whom she shared a close relationship. She also leaves behind brothers Ken, Russell, and their families. Mom was so proud of her family and Erin and Michael were at her side on a daily basis during her final months. Mom always looked forward to Erin's daily phone calls over the years.
Mom wanted all of us to know that "We'll meet again, don't know where don't know when, but I know we'll meet again some sunny day. Love you all into eternity."
In lieu of flowers, Mom requested a donation to the Kidney Foundation, Siloam Mission, Salvation Army, Children's Hospital, or a charity of your choice.
Sincere thanks to the staff with the Seven Oaks Dialysis Unit, the Community Dialysis Nurses, and the staff on the palliative unit at St Boniface Hospital for their excellent and compassionate care.
Rest in peace until we join you and Dad in the future, Mom, and know that you are loved more than words can ever say.
A celebration of Mom's life will occur at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue.