Patricia Catherine Kilshaw

Patricia Kilshaw died peacefully in the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria BC on 21^st January 2022. Patricia, or Nini, as she was affectionately known among family and friends, was diagnosed with cancer in 2017. She bravely bore the prolonged treatment without complaint, even though she knew her future was bleak. Throughout she continued to care for her family and to continue her work, only ending her professional responsibilities some six months before the end. In the final weeks of her life, she amazed us all by her bravery, humour, ability to delegate (boss us around), and plan for the future of her children. Through her dedication to joy we were able to have some bittersweet, but primarily sweet moments with her in these past weeks.

Patricia was born in Oakville, Ontario on 16^th March 1972. She moved to Victoria, BC with her family in early 1976. Throughout her life she was an unassuming, gentle, loving person, who was knowledgeable of the world around her.  She began her education in the Montessori system, and later entered the French immersion programme, progressing through the public school system in Victoria, and ultimately graduating from Mount Douglas High School. She studied French, English and Psychology at the University of British Columbia, French at the Université en France Canadien, in Villefranche-sur-Mer, Provence, a programme offered by Laurentian University of Ontario. In 2005 Patricia graduated with an MBA from the Executive Business programme at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario. Throughout her professional life with BC Ferries Corporation; Aspreva, a pharmaceutical company in Victoria; Q5, a private investment endeavour she was instrumental in founding; and latterly with BC Pensions Corporation, Patricia was always well-regarded by her colleagues at all levels.

Nini was a fiercely loving mother to her children, Olivia (15), Lukas (12) and stepson Justin (26).

Olivia has been supported and encouraged by Nini to excel in ballet, while Lukas has become a skilled hockey player with her nurturance and the guidance of his father. For many years the family coexisted with a Hungarian Puli dog and recently welcomed Rolo the Australian Labradoodle into their lives, both of whom Patricia loved despite the chaos they often introduced to their lives.

Nini is survived by her beloved children, Olivia, Lukas and Justin; her partner John; her devoted mother, Margaret (Colin); her loving father, Miles (Heather); her three bereft sisters Carole (Brian), Sarah, Susie (Ed) and their children; and equally importantly her large extended family and friends.

Nini loved life, loved the world, loved France, loved good food and wine, loved her family, and loved buttertarts like no other. Full of humour, and beautiful, Nini loved to read, to converse with friends and colleagues. She delighted in her time on her mother’s property on Thetis Island, and had a passion for travel, particularly to England and to France. We shall always miss her, and grieve her early death, but we shall cherish our memories of her. We will honour her by continuing to nurture, protect, and guide her children and to find light and humour in life. We look forward to sharing joyful Nini stories, of which there are plenty.

Thanks are due to Patricia’s doctors, nurses and staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. They cared for her through her last days in an exemplary fashion. Thanks, also, to the staff of the BC Cancer Clinic in Victoria, who treated her, and encouraged her throughout her vicious illness.

A Memorial Celebration of Life was held  on February 8, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at McCall Gardens Sequoia Centre, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria BC, V8Y 1B4.  The family requests those attending in person show Vaccine Passports.

All others are invited to attend virtually via Zoom by clicking the link below.  Please use your video camera when joining so that family in attendance can see you and feel your support.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88355139061?pwd=MUx5MEE1bmlnbWZkMzdQME52VGN0UT09

In lieu of flowers the family would welcome donations in Nini’s name to the BC Cancer Agency.

http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/donate

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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