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
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Betty Curtis (Whyte
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Lona McRae 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
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Sharon Mason 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.
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Dana Frazer Thinking of you all at this time, sorry I couldn’t make the service. I hear it was beautiful. My mom is going to miss Pat so much, I know our families will be forever intertwined.
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Darlene & Tony Southwell Pat was a vivacious, warm & caring person. I worked with her many years ago at St. Joseph’s Hospital, our desks side by side. Pat always was in good humour & ready to enjoy everything the day brought. We shared many laughs. We met again when Mike & our daughter Marianne were at school together. Her presence will be missed but she will be remembered.
Darlene & Tony
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Shirley Lyon Dear John and family,
I had the pleasure of working with Pat over several months here at UVic and so enjoyed my time with her. Her sense of humor and warm and caring nature were in evidence at all times. She was amazingly organized and managed to pull us all into shape in no time. She tried her best to teach me about dahlias – even by giving me printed handouts which I still have and refer to – and I think of her every time I read them. We used to share grandchildren stories and I was also so impressed with the love and dedication she had for all of you. I am so sorry I’m not able to attend her celebration of life today as she was truly someone who was the essence of a life lived in celebration. May all your wonderful memories bring comfort at this very difficult time.
Warmest regards,
Shirley Lyon
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Ethel Preece Dear John, Alen, Catherine, Michael and families
I wish words could bring the warmth of hugs, the comfort of memories and the promise of peace for you all. I was profoundly saddened to learn that Pat has died. She was so active and engaging in everything she did that her passing will leave an immense void in all our lives.
Remember the good times always, the smiling, the laughing, the talking, the sharing, and the loving ……….. and she did love you all with a passion that only a wife and mother can bring to a relationship.
What a long and difficult journey it has been for you these past few months when she was ill. Find comfort in knowing that she no longer suffers and is at peace.
My sincere sympathy , Ethel.
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Judy Bell I am sad to have missed you, Pat, it would have been so great to re-connect with you at the Class of ’61 reunion. I remember you as the nicest dynamo at school, ever since Monterey Elementary. You were totally “with it” and also a genuinely nice human being. Your grace and your sense of fun will be missed by all of us whose lives you touched.
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Dan Maure John; please accept our deepest sympathies. Christine and I were, as all I’m sure, shocked and saddened to heard of Pat’s passing. We still hold fond memories of her brilliant smile, infectious laugh, and mothering ways. Christine and I always enjoyed watching you and Pat “cuttin’ a rug” at our CFAX functions. As a matter of fact it was Pat who at our first CFAX Christmas party first approached Christine making her feel welcomed and at home. Please past on our thoughts to Alen, Katherine, Mike and their families.
Sincerely;
Dan & Christine
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Katie Maher (Leppan) Dear John (J) Alen, Cath, Mike and families
I was so sad to hear about Mrs D’s passing and join so many others in offering my condolences. Her obituary is fantastic and not only describes beautifully the woman I remember, but brought back many happy memories of times spent in your home and with your family. I suppose I was one of those surrogate children because without Pat I would have failed Grade 9 sewing! You are all in my thoughts at this sad time and have ny deepest sympathy.
Love Katie
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Christopher Duquette What a spark Mrs. Devlin had! Over the years, it was a sure thing that a warm welcome and lively (and if called for, candid) chat always accompanied a visit to the Devlin house. She and JD together raised a son in Mike with whom I’ve been able to build a valuable, lifelong friendship through which her mark on my life is indelible. For that and the kindness and generosity she offered to me through the years, I will always be grateful. All the best to JD and the extended Devlin family during this difficult time and always.
Christopher Duquette
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Mike Snell Pat was always very kind to me and Mike’s other friends during our teenage years. I always felt very welcome at the Devlin home. Our hearts and thoughts are with you in this time of loss.
Mike Snell and family
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Alan Perry Hi, John…
I’m so sorry to hear about Pat’s passing.
You two were such a great team, I’m sure not having her with you is going to leave a huge hole in your life.
Her obituary was superb, and triggered memories for me of just the few times that I had the opportunity to spend time with her at C-FAX Christmas parties, retreats, and such.
I hope you can find a way to see through your loss and treasure all the memories of your decades together.
I look forward to hearing more about her life at the service on Thursday.Alan Perry
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Sharon White John, I was so very sad to hear of your loss. Pat was always there to help, listen or laugh with everyone she came in contact with. My deepest condolences to you and your family whom she loved so much…Sharon
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Jim Bigsby What a loving and touching obituary. John and family, my thoughts are with you. Pat was indeed one of a kind, and you’ve captured a beautiful portrait of her. “Patsy” was a force in grade 3 and through grade 12. At class reunions she was a dynamo who organized and partied with that same bright smile. It’s hard to believe she’s gone.
Jim
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Mur Meadows John
My sincere condolences in your unfortunate loss. May you find comfort with your family and friends at this time.
Mur Meadows
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Linda Coates (nee Brandson) Heartfelt condolences to your family on your sad loss. Pat was one of our OBH class of ’61, and will be remembered for her friendship and vitality.
I have fond memories of playmates with ‘Patsy’ when we attended Monterey Elementary. Her parents’ home was always welcoming, and it is evident that family became the focus of Pat’s life.
May you find comfort in the special times you shared.
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Jane Laskin Dear John, kids and grandkids,
I have such wonderful memories of Pat. We have bonded since I was born! She was a lady full of talent, love and support. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the service, but my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
much loveJane
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Kelly Mann John…..
May your fabulous memories of Pat provide some comfort. While really only knowing her through your many stories of family and travel, it was clear your love for her was deep. She was a wonderfully gifted woman who has clearly left a bit of herself in everyone she met and knew.
With deepest sympathies, Kelly & Kimberly Mann
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Dennis Gornall Pat brought the same energy she showed in later life to a number of projects and functions. In an effort to have the 1961 Oak Bay High Yearbook deilivered by the last day of the school year instead of in the following September as usual, Pat had to do most of the assembly work in addition to selling the advertising. She received the copy and photos very late and cheerfully led the working group who made sure that it met the deadline.
I know that her family and many friends will miss her greatly.
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Robert Edwards Hi John , Mike and Family
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My condolence to you and family. I have wonderful memories of warm days, walks in your mom’s great flower garden and ‘ John and Pat’s caboose’ on Hornby.
Rob Edwards
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Ron Grant My deepest condolences to you and your family at this most challenging time for you all. I regret that I will be out of town on Thursday and unable to attend the service but my thoughts will most certainly be with you. May you and your family find strength in each other.
Ron
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Barrie Entwistle My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I remember Pat like it was yesterday. She will be dearly missed. My sympathy and condolences go out to you.
God bless,
Barrie
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