Skip to content

Patricia Frances LEE

June 10, 2006

LEE: Patricia Frances (Paddy)

Died peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit at Peace Arch Memorial Hospital, June 10, 2006 with her family at her side. Beloved wife for over sixty years to her devoted husband and best friend, Denis. Proud and sometimes amazed mother of Denis (Ruth), James (Linda), Michael (Linda), John (Shelly), Kathryn (Ed Landry), Anthony (Nancy), Martin (Liz Potts), and special daughter Terry (Wayne Webber). Loving and beloved Nana to twenty-two grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Paddy was born in the foothills of the Himalayas and lived there as the youngest daughter of a British army officer, managing a listening post into the then Soviet Union. The family returned to England and at the age of fifteen Paddy met the love of her life. The war interrupted but did not derail the courtship. Paddy switched her career from hair dressing to nursing and learned her profession on London and area hospitals during England's darkest days. After the war came marriage, two sons and the decision to immigrate. Canada was chosen because on the map it looked closer than New Zealand. The family settled in Wildfield, Ontario, where the rest of the children were born and Paddy worked along side Denis in building the family home. Paddy returned to nursing rewriting and passing her RN exam in Ontario and again in British Columbia, where the family moved in 1971. Her compassionate care endeared her to patients, peers, and all who came into her life. A skilled seamstress, artist and knitter her handicrafts will be a tangible reminder of the breadth of her skills imagination, and unbounded love for future generations. Special thanks to Doctor Angus McDonald whose care and gentleness eased the final days; to all the staff at Peace Arch Memorial Hospital, some of whom had nursed with Paddy and emulated her kindness and tender care. Very special thanks to sisters Terry and Kathy, who, as nurses themselves, assisted all of us through Mum's passing. A funeral mass to celebrate and give thanks for Paddy's life will be held at the Star Of The Sea Parish, 1153 Fir Street, White Rock, BC, on Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Canadian Food for Children, B.C. Branch.