PATRICIA HELEN (MUELLER) HURLBURT

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PATRICIA HELEN (MUELLER) HURLBURT July 16, 1939 - May 3, 2010 It is with a profound sense of loss that her family announces the passing of Patricia Helen (Mueller) Hurlburt on Monday, May 3, 2010 at Portage District General Hospital in Portage la Prairie. Predeceased by her husband Dr. Graham Hurlburt in 1996, and by her parents Henry and Nettie Mueller, she leaves behind many devoted friends and loving family members, including her sister Grace Fitzell and brother-in-law Errol of Portage la Prairie; nephew Gordon (Sheryl) Fitzell and great-nephew Liam Fitzell of Winnipeg; niece Jennifer (Collin) Kostichuk of Calgary; and brother-in-law John (Laurie) Hurlburt and nephew Aaron (Kirsten) Hurlburt of Victoria, BC. Born in Steinbach, Manitoba, where she spent her early years, Pat went on to earn bachelor degrees in both Science and Education at the University of Manitoba, followed by a Bachelor of Library Science degree at the University of Alberta and a Master of Library Science degree at the University of Toronto. Her education prepared her for her 28-year career as a librarian at Churchill High School in Winnipeg. Following her retirement in 1997, Pat devoted herself to enjoying time with family and friends. Always kind and generous, she hosted countless dinner parties at her home and summertime gatherings at her cottage in Winnipeg Beach. In addition, she took up digital photography, skillfully capturing impressive images, including the pyramids of Egypt during her trip of a lifetime. Pat was also an avid reader, often devouring three newspapers a day, keeping up with the weekly newsmagazines, and cramming in her monthly book club selection, always at the last minute. Pat was a longtime member of the Fort Garry United Church. Following the death of her husband Graham, she and two other newly widowed friends wrote a guide to grieving, which was distributed throughout the province. In addition, she selflessly gave her time and insight to other widows, frequently meeting for coffee and companionship. More recently, Pat undertook discipleship studies at her church, further deepening her faith and, at the same time, developing meaningful new friendships. Pat will be dearly missed and fondly remembered for her generous spirit, zany sense of humour, and irresistible joy for life. Remarkably, she maintained these qualities throughout her year-long struggle with ALS. A funeral service for Pat will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 7 at Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Road, Winnipeg. A viewing and prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 6 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg. A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 1Z6, or Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2L8. Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 06, 2010