It is with sadness we report the passing of Patricia Mary, on the 22 of November, 2016. Pat died peacefully at her home in Boulderwood Rise in the presence of her loving husband Keith. Pat was the only child of John and Phyllis Tomney, born in Bourneville, England, on the 18 of January, 1948. Her early years were spent in England, emigrating to Canada in 1954 with her mother, when John returned to his home in Timmins, Ontario, after serving in the Canadian Army during WWII.
Pat was educated in Ontario and entered the Toronto General Hospital Nursing Program, graduating in 1968. Following her training, she specialized in paediatric nursing and served as a neonatal nurse at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and Supervisor of the neonatal unit at the University Hospital in Edmonton. An appointment was then accepted as Director of Nursing at the Victoria General Hospital commencing her career in administrative nursing becoming Vice President Nursing for the Greater Victoria Hospital Society. Pat pursued her interest in the administrative field and obtained an external PhD degree from the University of Cleveland, following which she was named as Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the George Brown University in Toronto. Returning to the west coast, she worked for the Michael Smith Foundation in Vancouver prior to returning to Victoria as an adjunct professor in the Department of Medical Informatics.
Following her retirement from active employment, she enrolled in the Parish Nurse program and enjoyed her duties in this role. Additionally, she pursued her dedication and involvement with her duties to the Cathedral, serving on the Parish Council. During her career, she was honoured by a number of organisations and societies for her contributions to nursing and education.
Pat was predeceased by her parents and first husband, James Coward and survived by step children of her first marriage, Laura, David and grand-daughter Emma, Keith and his children, Mark and grand-children Josephine, Isabelle and Argyll, Fiona and grand-children James and Adam, and daughter Clare.
A service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral at Quadra Street on Monday, 28 of November 2016 at 11:00 am. A reception will follow at the Victoria Golf Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victoria Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation, 1952 Bay Street 4th Floor. Victoria, B.C. Canada.V8R 1J8.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Yuri Quintana
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Jochen R. Moehr, M.D., Ph.D, Professor emeritus, UVic Dear Keith and Family,
My Wife and Chris are among the many who are stunned by the passing away of Pat. For decades, Pat was a beacon for us, mainly trough her many roles at the School of Health Information Science at UVic.
But underneath these official roles was much, much more. An immensely strong personality, an incredibly directive presence at meetings, making important, game changing contributions, not only if she was saying nothing, but by saying nothing. Needless to say, when she did say something it stuck.
And that was only the small side of her that was exposed to us. At the service, we were blessed with learning so much more about her and her family, and the immense challenges she over came.
I still can not pass any of the places that our paths crossed, without being touched by strong and fond memories of Pat, and I feel immensely blessed for it!
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Elizabeth Borycki Pat Coward was a wonderful person. She has helped many throughout her life. She was always a valued colleague (and Director) at the School of Health Information Science at the University of Victoria. She was inspired and inspired others. I know the many students she has helped to launch their careers will always remember her enthsiasm for educating students and the gift she gave them – a career and a lifetime of interest in health informatics. Pat will be missed.
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Elizabeth Laugharne Supporting excellence in health care was always Pat’s goal. To that end she pursued her career with determination and dedication. I will always remember our last conversation when she shared her challenges and hopes. May she rest in peace.
Elizabeth Laugharne
Victoria BC. (Toronto General Hospital School of Nursing. Class of 1945)
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Leslie Wood I had the pleasure of knowing Pat for over 20 years through the School of Health Information Science. Even as Director of the School for a year she always maintained a calm, quiet and kindly attitude to handle any crisis. She was, in every sense of the word, a lady. Over several lunches I learned of her dislike for fruit and love of fish and chips. My favourite memory of Pat is when I got a new puppy. She had invited us to her home for dinner and surprised me with a puppy shower. RIP Pat.
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Cecilia Strong Dear Keith and Family:
My sincere condolences on the loss of Pat. She was an incredible person whose life touched others in many ways, and was built on helping others, healing and being there when assistance was needed. She made the world a better place. I will miss her her so much. Know that you and your family are in my prayers.
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Brenda and Peter Dhaene our love and blessing to Keith and family. We will miss our dear Pat who became so much a part of our lives over the past few years.
Diocesan Women’s Retreat group
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Brenda and Peter Dhaene Keith and family, please accept our sincere and deepest sympathy in the passing of a dear friend, Pat. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless
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Michelle O'Rourke Keeping you all in thought and prayer. Pat was a wonderful woman, and in our first graduating class for the Foundations in Parish Nursing Program. She always had a smile on her face, and loved the nursing profession and being of service to others. She will be missed. “Well done good and faithful servant.”
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Judith Skelton-Green Dear Keith. I was so sorry to hear of Pat’s death. She had been very much on my mind these past few weeks, and I tried to connect with her by email to inquire how she was doing. Your loving presence no doubt meant a great deal to Pat these past couple of difficult years. How very unfortunate that the two of you were not granted more time together.
With sincere condolences. Judith Skelton-Green
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Sara John Fowler Dear Keith & Family, Please accept the sincere condolences of All at Mount St. Mary and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Pat has indeed left a tremendous legacy. Kind regards, Sara John Fowler
Pat was an outstanding educator, administrator, leader, and a friend to many. I had the pleasure to get to know her in the informatics program at UVic and other Canadian health care conferences. She was always graceful, insightful and supportive. She inspired many with her wisdom and elegant style. She helped make improvements the university and the health care system. I will miss her very much.
Yuri Quintana