PATRICIA CHARLOTTE MCNEILL (PETERSON) (PAT)

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PATRICIA CHARLOTTE MCNEILL (PETERSON)
February 9, 1938 - October 22, 2020

Passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, after a short stay at Concordia Hospital.
Pat was predeceased by her parents, Rudy and Helen Peterson. She is survived by her loving husband Roger; sons, Glenn (Jennifer) and Todd (Andrea); grandson Noel; sisters, Roberta (John) Fitzgerald, Carolyn (Mike) Meade, Mary Pacaluko, Barbara (Dave) Zeck; sister-in-law Sandra Morrow; and many nieces and nephews.
Family was the most important part of Pat's life, and at an early age, she cherished being an older sister to her younger siblings. The Peterson sisters loved and supported each other during both good times and challenging times, and they remained close for all of Pat's life. Pat married the love of her life, Roger, in 1969, and they enjoyed a lifetime of laughter, love and joyful memories. They were each other's constant companion and best friend for over 52 years. They enjoyed visiting with their friends, going on trips across the USA and Canada, but most of all they enjoyed being together.
Pat always wanted to be a mom and this is where she found her calling. She was a caring and loving mother to her two boys and she treasured watching them grow up. She always welcomed their friends and (mostly) enjoyed the chaos that a houseful of boys can bring. Pat volunteered at the Melrose Community Club where the boys played winter and summer sports, she was a leader in Beaver Scouts (Bubbles!), and she helped out at numerous school activities. Her love extended to both of her daughters-in-law and she supported them with (usually humorous) advice on how to deal with a McNeill. Pat was a devoted grandmother to her cherished grandson, Noel, and she loved to spoil him with candy and hugs. Pat also had a large circle of friends for whom she cared deeply and she could always be counted on in a time of need.
Both Pat's childhood and later years were shaped by a polio diagnosis at the age of two. She had many treatments and surgeries during her childhood, but Pat never let polio prevent her from being an active person or living a busy life. A diagnosis of post-polio syndrome in 1993 changed her life and slowed her down somewhat, however, she continued to volunteer at both CJNU Radio and the Post-Polio Network, where she spent countless hours compiling, printing, and mailing the Post-Polio Newsletter. In 2006, she was very proud to take part in "Polio and Post-Polio: An Oral History". Pat was one of 29 polio survivors who had their life experiences archived and she felt that it was extremely important for her story to be told.
Both polio and post-polio syndrome did influence parts of Pat's life but those ailments did not define who she was as a person. She was extremely tenacious and always fought through whatever challenges were in front of her. Pat was also known for her generous spirit, her wonderful sense of humour, and her caring for others. Her love and support were a constant presence in many peoples' lives and she will be deeply missed.
The family thanks the staff at Careica/Rana for providing Pat's oxygen supplies for over 27 years. We also thank the Post-Polio Network for their support and guidance. Thank you to the many physicians who helped with Pat's treatments over the years, including Dr. Homik and Dr. Cattani. A special thank you goes out to Dr. Steve and Bonnie at Concordia Hospital for their care and compassion during Pat's final hours.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Manitoba Lung Association, the Post-Polio Network, or a charity of your choice.
As per Pat's wishes, cremation and interment has taken place. There will be no service at this time but a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when group restrictions are lifted.

"She didn't bake"

Neil Bardal Funeral Home, 204-949-2200
www.neilbardalfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2020