June 3, 2019
Patricia was born in the Cariboo in July 1946 and moved with her family to Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, the Kootenays, the Shuswap and the Okanagan all before graduating from high school. Although the moves were frequent, Patricia embraced the constants --- their home was always filled with books, dogs and hearty conversation.
Patricia was an accountant, working in the Vernon area and attending St. James Catholic Church. Although she enjoyed her work, she was always in search of making a difference in the world. Patricia eventually found such work in Edmonton at a non-profit organization providing services for people from all countries and all faiths to settle in Canada. Edmonton is also where she met and married an interesting English Professor, David Jackel.
Patricia maintained an active role in the Catholic Church as well as volunteering for her community, advocating for caregivers' Bill of Rights, and spending several hours a week visiting patients at care homes with her labradoodle, Echo. Patricia's greatest asset was her unwavering compassion and true loyalty to her friends, as evidenced by her lifelong friendship (despite all the moves) with childhood friend Elizabeth Coulter.
In her final months Patricia was blessed to have the support and care of her dear friends Jean Hattie and Bernadette Gasslein, and niece Tammy Evans.
Patricia was predeceased by her husband, David, her beloved sisters, Agnes and PollyAnn, and her mischievous Samoyeds, Nootka, Sitka and Omineca. She is survived by her dear siblings, Helen (Bill) Hellofs and Mike (Shirley) Hewat, her nieces and nephews, Tammy, Signe, Paul, Dick, Curt, Debbie, Tracy and Melanie and their families, all of whom meant the world to her, her dog Echo, and many friends and coworkers.
To celebrate Patricia's life, write a letter on behalf of Amnesty International, volunteer some time at the next local Habitat for Humanity project, splurge a roll of quarters on a few rounds of Donkey Kong, --- and give your dog an extra hug today.