Obituary of Patricia Ann O'Hagan

Ever strong and courageous, despite numerous health challenges and hills to climb, Patricia Ann O’Hagan passed away peacefully on September 29 with family by her side at the Invermere & District Hospital. She was the daughter of Harold and Irene Kenny, born in Walkerton, Ontario on December 22, 1935. Pat is survived by her only sister Shirley Kenny of Barrie, ON. Predeceased by her beloved husband Robert James O’Hagan of Cookstown ON in 1999, Pat was the proud mother of three daughters Jane (Doug), Kathryn (Stephen) and Bridget (Gary). But, her favourite role was reserved for being an engaged and loving “Nana Pat” to her talented and much-loved grandchildren Patrick, Rachel and Roberta. 

 

Pat was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Walkerton, Ontario and a graduate of the St Joseph’s School of Nursing Class of 1957 in London, ON. Pat was an exceptional nurse who loved her profession. Pat was a leader who professionals, peers, family and friends sought her sage advice and extensive knowledge of medicine and nursing. Pat stayed in touch with her nursing classmates throughout her entire life and never missed a reunion as long as her health permitted. They were truly friends for life. 

 

Pat fiercely loved her family and friends as much as she loved her independence. And, her life revolved around her family and close friends in Ontario and British Columbia. Pat lived her life with honesty, candour, and determination. She exhibited an inner strength that saw her rise above the challenges of being a sudden widow before her retirement and a neurological condition that she refused to let rob her of her strong desire to live life on her own terms. When the going was so tough, we marvelled at her ability to pull herself up and move one foot forward in front of the other, terribly magnificent and brave. In her own words, she wasn’t made to break so easily. 

 

Pat loved to care for people and animals. Caring was at the heart of Pat’s essence. She never turned away a dog or cat who needed a home. Family and cousins remember multiple cakes and parties for every childhood birthday, long, lazy summers in Wiarton, cross-country train journeys to New Hazelton B.C. to visit grandparents, tea parties, Chinese buffet lunches and driving to baseball games with her grandchildren all over the Bruce Peninsula. Whether Pat was at her farm in Cookstown, ON or her cottage in Wiarton, ON or at home on 8th Avenue in Invermere, BC, her door was always open. Family and friends prized her gifts of incredible pies and butter tarts, her flawless breads and her invitations to Friday pizza nights. Her absolute command of the kitchen and love of entertaining became a magnet for family and neighbours to enjoy great company, home cooked favorites and her incredible stories. No one could tell stories like Pat, rich in detail, colourful, highly entertaining and usually from her chair with her devoted dachshunds Lacey and Winnie (The Twinkies) on her lap. 

 

Pat lived a long, blessed and rich life and refused to settle for less. Pat could do anything she set her mind to and had an insatiable appetite for knowledge. She raised her daughters with a very strong and determined sense of independence and responsibility, stressing anything could be accomplished through purpose and hard work. Pat was a pioneer in her era. She loved her life. She was an inspiring role model for her daughters and grandchildren, enriching our lives with her razor-sharp points of views, words of wisdom and spot on advice. 

 

As a family, we wish to share our deep appreciation and respect for each and every doctor in Invermere, all the nurses, physiotherapists, home care nurses and hospital staff who took care of Pat through her many admissions over the last ten years and for the tender care she received over the last several weeks. While Invermere & District Hospital may not a big hospital, it’s simply world class in our minds when it comes to care. We thank you for being an incredible extension of our family doing all that could be done for Pat to allow her to make her own decisions until the very end. We would also like to thank all the staff and residents of Columbia Garden Village who grew to know Pat as a friend over the last two years. We are thankful for your support and friendship.

 

Mom, we will love and will miss you forever and a day. Godspeed and may you be at last in peace. A celebration of life memorial mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Walkerton, ON at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society or the charity of your choice.