Patricia (Pat) Anne Devlin passed away suddenly at home on February 22, 2011 with her husband, John, by her side. Among those who miss her already are loving children Alen (Paula), Catherine (Roch) and Michael (Maggie); grandchildren Carli, Cameron, James, Joel, Jonah and Sadie, all of Victoria; brother-in-law Michael (Diane) Devlin and nephews Christopher (Marianne) and Matthew, all of Sydney, Australia; cousin Martin (Sue) Hagarty of Comox, BC; and niece Jane Laskin of California. Pat was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Winnifred Burgess, who were never far from her thoughts.
Born in Victoria on November 23, 1943, Pat was bright and colourful – much like the dahlias and roses she grew each year in her backyard. She never met a garden she couldn’t tame, or a flower she couldn’t name. Pat gardened the way she did most things in life: With passion. From her days at Oak Bay High School and on the Victoria Girls’ Drill Team to her role as president of the Victoria Jayciettes, she always welcomed a challenge. It was a thread which continued throughout her life. She loved fishing, pottery, and sewing, and was an avid photographer (when she could get her flash to work.) Four decades of Pat’s photo albums, all lovingly assembled, document a family bonded by activity and adventure. Gathering in Sooke at Kemp Lake meant the world to her, as did the purchase of her very own cabin on Hornby Island. A vital part of the Hornby community, she loved swimming at Grassy Point and watching the sunset at Phipps Point. For 13 years she contributed a square to the annual Hornby Island Quilt Show, and became a “groupie” each spring during her beloved Hornby Island Blues Workshop, often dancing with John until the wee hours. Pat’s garden was her sanctuary, but her circle of family and friends was her true refuge. She was deeply involved with her children’s sports and band concerts during their school years, and through her generosity became a surrogate mother to many (whom she plied with oatmeal cookies). Her commitment to her friends was steadfast, and she kept in touch with those both in town and far away, even while on the road with her trusty sidekick John on trips to Australia, Alaska, and Mexico. The arrival of her six grandchildren sent her sewing machine into overdrive, and the array of pictures which followed (when she could get her flash to work) were indicative of her adoration. Wednesday night spaghetti nights with Carli won’t be the same without Nana Pat. And for John, her husband of 47 years and whose undying love and unending support she cherished, episodes of Glee will now have one less member in the chorus. There is plenty we’ll miss. But there is a lot leftover. What she gave us is enough to last a lifetime. Patsy was indeed one of a kind.
She will also be greatly missed by longtime friends Sheila and Ron Simpson, Betty and Bob Brown, Kerry and Garry Frazer, Sharon and Harry Nicholson, and Barb and Ken MacCaskell and their families.
A Celebration of Pat’s Life will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, at the corner of Johnson & Vancouver, on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Donations in Pat’s memory would be appreciated to The Salvation Army, 902A Caledonia Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8T 1E8 or Our Place Society, 919 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8V 3P4. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com
23 Responses
To John and family
I am sure you have had a difficult christmas this year. I have very fond memories with John and Lorne and I in Jaycees.
I’d love to correspond with you John if you like– betty.c@shaw.ca
If you read this please let me know also Shelia Simpson.
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
sincerely Betty
I was so shocked to hear of beautiful Pat’s passing. We worked together at UVic on many occasions. I always wanted to request that Pat to come in and organize our office, it somehow never happened.
She had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met. She shared her knowledge and her gifts – such energy, so many projects, in so many ways she was an expert.
I thought of Pat often, I saw her when she was not well about two years ago. Of course, I wish I had called.
To her family, I know you miss her so much, her boundless energy, and that wonderful laugh. She was so alive her whole life.
Lona
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time. “Patsy” sat in front of me in our Grade 7 Homeroom. Due to a ‘typo’ one day, her name was written “Pasty”. For the rest of that year, she became “Pasty Birdseed” to our little group. She was a wonderful person. Thank you for such a loving tribute to her.