Elizabeth Paterson (O’Neill)

Elizabeth Paterson (O’Neill) ~With all of our love, gratitude and admiration to your story, Mom/Liz/Nano, which now lives in us, deeply in our hearts. Forever and always, Roz, Mike & Zack It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our precious mother, Elizabeth Paterson (O’Neill), yet we also find peace and pride in celebrating the full and unique journey of her 85 years, and that she may now be at serene and pain-free rest. Elizabeth was truly a beautiful, courageous woman, full of compassion, who made a tremendous difference and mattered greatly in this world. She will always be recognized as a strong role model and a true blessing in our lives. Elizabeth died peacefully on June 10, 2024, with the comfort of the entirety of the love of her family in her heart. She was a remarkable woman with tremendous resilience. For many years, she courageously and valiantly battled relentless, serious and painful physical diseases, while constantly demonstrating unending strength, fortitude and bravery with grace, a positive spirit and smile, and constantly thinking of others. Born on January 4, 1939, in Mille-Isles, the Laurentians of Quebec, Edith Elizabeth was the youngest of eight children: Gwendolyn, Joyce, Clive, Hugh, Alton, Hazen and Stanford Riddell. After the sudden death of her mother, Edith, shortly after her birth, with her brothers having to cross country ski to obtain milk for her, her father’s sister Olive and her husband Harry (O’Neill) offered their assistance to Elizabeth’s father, George, unable to care for seven other young children and a baby, alone, under harsh conditions. They welcomed her with love and subsequently adopted her into what became her forever family, with beloved siblings Dennis, Gail and Gary (deceased), who she developed close and special brotherly and sisterly bonds with, for life. Elizabeth was married to Gary Paterson for twenty-five years, and they raised a beautiful family of three girls. Elizabeth was devoted to, cherished, truly loved and was so proud of her girls. These sentiments have been and continue to be reciprocated by her daughters, Rosalind (Mike), Stephanie (Kelly) and Alexandra (Mitch), who felt so blessed to cherish her as their Mom. Elizabeth was a very proud Nano and Great Nano who absolutely adored her grandchildren, who brought her such a great sense of pride and delight: Jacob (Sydney), Jordan (Tayler), Kate (Brad), Zachary (Kate), Lawson, Maddy and her great grandchild, Hugh. Elizabeth’s family was her greatest joy and she forever held everyone in such high regard, and so closely in her thoughts and in her heart. We are all grieving and feeling deep sorrow both in missing her presence and in our own hearts, but will remember her legacy as always such a strong and guiding presence in our lives, with the happy memories we shared and the life lessons she passed on to us. Elizabeth’s favourite memories growing up are those on O’Neill Island, Stoney Lake. Spending summers at Bark Lodge with her family and close friends, and later sharing this experience with her girls brought her great happiness. She loved driving the boats, exploring the island, gathering flowers, enjoying the sunshine, watching the sunsets and shooting stars and relaxing in front of the fire or on the hammock. Elizabeth loved entertaining, hosting many memorable parties with large gatherings of friends, family, delicious food, much laughter and diverse entertainment of talented and very enjoyable spontaneous and musical performances. We also enjoyed fishing, hiking, wildlife, boating, sunning, swimming, a roaring fire and all cottage life had to offer, loving our times at this paradise as well. Elizabeth’s kind and compassionate nature led to a calling to care for others as a nurse. She graduated from The University of Toronto in 1961 as a registered nurse, and then furthered her studies at McGill University to obtain a Teaching and Supervising Diploma in Nursing. She took great pride in her career as a dedicated nurse and nursing teacher, in a career that spanned over thirty years. She was well known and respected, due to her professionalism, vast knowledge, experience and strong leadership in both classroom and clinical settings. Elizabeth was an inspiring educator and role model for her students, who will always remember the positive influence she had in encouraging them to strive for excellence, in a kind and caring manner. Another example exemplifying Elizabeth’s thoughtful nature was that she volunteered for many years with The Maycourt Club of London, providing entertainment to children with marionette performances, as well as many other community services. As a part of this group, she forged strong friendships that have lasted over forty years. Elizabeth pursued many other creative hobbies, and was a talented seamstress. Elizabeth was a pink sparkling fairy that touched our souls, and she would want you to be in love with every moment, be your own kind of wonderful, make your day amazing by creating happy moments and letting your light shine. If we could give her a gift, it would be of love and laughter, a peaceful heart a special dream and joy forever after. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Inspirit Retirement Residence, Windermere Manor and all of the medical professionals of University Hospital – London Health Sciences Centre, who cared for Elizabeth, particularly the doctors and nurses of the fourth floor In-Patient Medicine Unit and the Palliative Care Team for their tender and professional care, in making such a difference in Elizabeth’s comfort and dignity and their compassionate care, support and sensitivity toward our family. Friends and family are welcomed to a Visitation in Celebration of Elizabeth, which will be held on Monday, July 8, 2024 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, located at 709 Wonderland Road North, London. If you wish to make a memorial donation in Elizabeth’s name, please consider The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or Diabetes Canada. For information, or to leave an online condolence please visit the funeral home A private family graveside remembrance and interment will take place at a later date at Woodland Cemetery. Miss you Love you Deep peace Rest Easy All is well We will never forget you because you have given us so much to remember, and your love and light will continue to guide us always. Celebrate My Life Celebrate the life I’ve had Remember me with joy Be thankful for the times we shared The moments of laughter we enjoyed Find your smile and speak my name Share stories and memories From your heart My love for you is always near We’re only a whisper apart Wear something glittery and pink Go and have some fun Stop and smell a flower Celebrate my life’s home run! ~~My celebration of your life Mom, With all my love, Your daughter Rosalind

My condolences to Liz’s daughters and their families. I was fortunate to meet Roz, Steph and Lexi when I visited my friend Linda Kearns last January. We visited Liz in hospital during that time. I was impressed with the rapport she had with the nurses . I remember Liz as a wonderful bedside nurse. We met at Nursing school in 1958 . When we graduated we attended McGill University where we shared an apartment. Over the years we saw each other only at Reunions. Fortunately we were able to connect again during that time I spent in London. I remember her warmth and caring. We have lost a beautiful person who loved life.

Our deepest condolences to the passing or our dear friend, Liz Patterson. We have so many memories that go back so many years. We are blessed to have been family friends with Pattersons. Sending our love and prayers to all of you, at this time and we are keeping you in our thoughts. Love Millie and family.