In Celebration of

Patricia Maria Whaley

September 26, 1947 -  September 5, 2024

Passed away on September 5th, 2024, surrounded by love.

Born on September 26th, 1947, in Essex, England, Patricia will be remembered for her warmth, curiosity, intelligence, humor, passion, and unwavering strength.

To know Patricia was to experience love. She had an extraordinary gift for friendship, effortlessly charming those she met and making new friends until her very last breath. Patricia had a unique ability to make everyone feel special. She saw beyond our insecurities, shyness, and self-doubt, peeling away the layers to reveal what truly mattered. With an artist’s eye, she saw the invisible essence of things, and with a teacher’s heart, she helped us see what she understood so deeply.

Patricia was a devoted mother to Chere (Nico) and Jennifer (Bert), a loving sister to Barbara (Cal), Lin (Jason), Deanna (Dan) and Eric (Shari). Aunty Pat to Richard (Joanna), Geoff, Brad, Julienne, Elise (Devin), Kai, Jaclin, John and Laura. Loving life partner of Ivan, the love of her life.

Patricia was a maternal figure and role model to countless others, including her many students from Durham College. Her friend community was wide, and she considered them family. She loved them dearly.

Despite living with cancer, Patricia always emphasized the "living" part—and lived she did. Her legacy continues in the hearts and lives of those fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind a community of people who are better for having known her.

A celebration of Patricia’s life will be held in June 2025, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to support Appendiceal/PMP research: ACPMP Research Foundation.

We love you more, Patricia.

Guestbook 

(5 of 43)

Lindsey Morey (Surrogate niece)

Entered September 6, 2024 from Kingston Ontario

I am one of the many adopted family that absolutely adored Aunt Pat. She was always there with a smile and inquisitive mind asking questions that really made you take pause and think. She was always proud and excited to connect with those around her and teach them as she was the epitome of an educator. I did say adopted niece because I was there every summer when Elise (their niece) was and I was always welcomed and treated the same as her. I remember spending every waking minute with uncle Ivan and Aunt Pat and Elise. Talking about books, walking the entirety of bay lake road, introducing me to FIFA, and of course countless hours in the lake and on the barge. She was even Aunt Pat to my children. Whenever we came up, we did our best to stop in or swim over. (It was not a short distance). The love she had for all of us was immeasurable. She was also a constant support and was there for me when my mother passed... I am heartbroken at the loss of my aunt and friend, but at the same time I know she lived to the fullest. Her life was full of love and that gives me the most comfort.

When we told the kids my husband explained to them that the sadness we feel is just love lasting and while she is not in her body anymore we are all made of energy and like the love we feel it never dies, it transforms and becomes something different. I feel like Aunt Pat would have loved that.

Love you Aunt Pat and Uncle Ivan.... Always

Linds

Julienne Bourgeois (Niece)

Entered September 6, 2024 from Toronto

I will miss you forever. Rest in peace. Thanks for being an amazing Auntie Pat. Xo

Lin Whaley (Sister)

Entered September 6, 2024 from Calgary

Love you more.

Cheryl Butler (Former Durham College colleague and 40 year friend.)

Entered September 6, 2024 from Richmond Hill, ON

Patricia was a great friend: kind, friendly to all, supportive, spirited, enthusiastic and so much more. She quickly became a friend to everyone she met witnessed by the number of people who have reacted to her death. She was brave in the face of cancer witnessed by the brave fight she put up to stay with the loves of her life, Ivan, Chere and Jennifer. May she Rest In Peace.

Paul and Kathey (Family friends)

Entered September 7, 2024 from Calgary, Alberta

We never really had the chance to get to know Pat personally but knew she was special because of the many great stories and obvious love for her that was shared by Lin and Elise (and Kai too!)
Pat was very much loved and will be dearly missed.

Photos 

(2 of 2)

Burning Basket - Homer, Alaska
Help Extend the Memorial
Order a Keepsake Book
Order Sympathy & Support Gifts

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Report an Issue