PATRICIA JONASSON, R.N., C.N.M.

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PATRICIA JONASSON, R.N., C.N.M. Courageously on Wednesday, July 19, 2006, surrounded by her family and dear friend Kris, PJ passed away in Brandon. She was predeceased by her mother Mary Oldfield in 1971. Pat was born in Halifax, NS and spent all of her early life there. She studied nursing in Halifax and there developed a love for obstetrics. PJ had a natural gift for assisting women in pregnancy and childbirth. This was recognized by the Nova Scotia Health Department who sponsored her to seek further training in midwifery at the Maternity Centre Association in New York City at the renowned Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Following her graduation as a Certified Nurse Midwife, she returned to Halifax. In 1964, Aunty Pat , accompanied by her mother, moved west to Winnipeg to be closer to her brother Don and his new family. This was when she went to work at the Women's' Pavilion and, after the birth of her son Jeff, she was instrumental in the development of the first Lamaze classes offered in Winnipeg. PJ also worked with a well known obstetrician, Dr Otto Schmidt, as the first obstetric associate in Canada, which was the subject of a journal article in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in February, 1973. PJ eventually moved across the river to St. Boniface Hospital to practice nursing in Labour and Delivery. During her time there, she helped bring thousands of babies into the world, which included many of her family and friends' children. Most exciting for her was assisting in the births of her grandchildren, Jessica, Paige and Brett Jonasson. The majority of her time at St. Boniface was spent as the Night Charge Nurse where she had a special love and bond with all the staff who benefited from her strength, compassion, and strong and quiet leadership. PJ touched many lives in and out of the work place. Her and Don's home was always a lively happy meeting place for friends and family alike. Despite her many professional friendships and accomplishments, the most important people in her life were her family. Her son Jeffrey, his wife Tracy and their children, Jessica, Paige and Brett were the centre of her life. In 2000, Pat and Don moved to Brandon to be closer to Jeffrey and his family. Grandma Pat had an exceptionally tight bond with her grandchildren and was fiercely proud of their many accomplishments. She was a proud supporter of their athletic ability and school achievements. She was the centre and source of strength for her family, always guiding them with her practical wisdom. She will forever be remembered and sadly missed by her husband Don, her son Jeffrey, daughter-in-law Tracy and her grandchildren, Jessica, Paige and Brett. Also missing her is her brother Don and numerous nieces and nephews. Pat's family would like to thank her many friends, nursing classmates and colleagues, especially Dr. Gerry McCarthy, who supported her during her lengthy battle with breast cancer. This contact meant a great deal to her. She and her family would like to say a special thank you to PJs eldest niece, Charlene and good friend, Kris Robinson, for all their love and steadfast support during her illness and passing. A memorial service will be held today, Saturday, July 22 at 1:00 p.m. at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, Brandon, MB. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation (Cancer Services), 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB R7A 2B3 so that fewer people will have to suffer this dreadful disease. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com. Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan, Brandon 727-0694.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 22, 2006