Patricia Rhodes Dobson (Overton)

Patricia Rhodes Dobson (Overton) passed from this world on December 9, 2024. She is survived by her devoted husband of 71 years, Donald, 4 children (Andrew, Nick, Stephen and Teresa), and 5 grandchildren (Ben, Anne, Peter, Sam and Tom). Born January 8, 1930, in Norwich, England, and a survivor of WWII air raids there, Pat was from an early age a voracious reader and aspiring historian, with a remarkable memory for poetry. Acknowledged as one of the first pupils to go on to earn a degree by her local school, and the first woman, she earned a full scholarship to study at the University of Sheffield, where she completed a BA Honours in History (1952). Thereafter she undertook teacher training and began a teaching career.

Pat met the love of her life, Donald, at Sheffield University in 1949. She shared with Don a love of music, language, literature, and hill walking. They married in 1953 and eventually started a family. In 1962 she moved with Don to Alberta, Canada, where the family grew. Here she parented, engaged in abundant volunteerism, and enjoyed hiking the Rocky Mountains.

Pat retired in 1996 to Victoria, where she and Don were active in several hiking groups for many years. Her passing came as a shock, after a fall. It is certainly hard to imagine the world without her wit, wisdom, and love. She is profoundly missed, and forever in our hearts.

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon my inward eye
which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
and dances with the daffodils. (Wordsworth)