PATRICIA GUY (GIBBONS) (PAT)

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PATRICIA GUY
(nee GIBBONS)

Patricia Guy passed away in the comfort of her home on Sunday, October 16, 2022, with her daughter Mickey (Monica Ball), at her side. Predeceased by her parents, John Joseph Gibbons and Helen Elisabeth Gibbons (nee Cockshutt); sister Kay (Pattinson); brother Jack and husband Doc (Robert DuVal Guy). Pat is survived by her sons, Jon, Paddy (Michele), and Ralph (Kris Owen); daughters, Mickey (Paul Stallion) and Vicki (Andrew Burns); her grandchildren, Paige, Madeline, Liam, Jillian, Rhys, Ralph, Sebastien, Michael, and Scott; and great-grandchildren, Meredith, Riley and Georgia. She will be sorely missed.
Born December 30, 1920, Mum grew up in Toronto. After graduating from Branksome Hall in 1938, Mum headed to finishing school in Paris. With rumours of potential war, her parents sent her with gold coins to secure a speedy return home. As it was, a burst appendix delayed her planned September 1, 1939 departure, preventing her from sailing on the S. S. Athenia, the first U-boat-sunk ship.
Upon her return, Mum attended the University of Toronto. Her studies were interrupted in December 1941 when she married the love of her life, Doc (Robert DuVal Guy) and moved to Winnipeg. Without delay, Mum began an active life of service, which would continue for more than seven decades. She joined her husband`s family church, Knox United Church, and remained a faithful member of the congregation for 80 years. One of her earliest volunteer activities was running the canteen at the United Services Centre located in the Eaton`s Annex where she fed servicemen during the war. She went on to serve on a number of committees and boards, including the Winnipeg Art Gallery (founding member in 1948 of what would become the Volunteer Committee, school tour guide, 50th Anniversary keynote speaker, and committed study group participant well into her 90s), the Victoria Order of Nurses, the John Howard and Elizabeth Fry Society (inter alia inspecting conditions in the Women`s Jail in Portage La Prairie), and the Junior League. Her participation was one of quiet commitment and leadership.
Mum loved music, something she and Dad shared. They hosted the Chamber Music Society of Lower East Gate, a group of friends playing piano, double bass, clarinet, vibraphone, snare drums, guitar and vocals. Mum and Dad were longtime supporters of the WSO, starting with first concert in 1948. Opera was a particular favourite of Mum`s. She regularly attended live performances, but what her children remember most is her listening to "Saturday Afternoon at the Met", enjoyed in the kitchen while making cookies.
Cookies actually played a major role in Mum's life. There were always homemade cookies to be had at Pat Guy's house. They accompanied afternoon tea, a lifelong ritual (or eaten sneakily by her children at all times of day or night). They were taken regularly to friends and family, especially those in hospital or long-term care.
Playing bridge was a weekly activity that provided an opportunity for a close group of friends to meet, have lunch while pursuing an activity, namely bridge. Following Mum's death, someone remarked that no doubt she had already organised a bridge game with the friends she has missed so much.
Summers were a magical time for our family. Away from the hubbub of winter commitments and school and work, life as a family was more relaxed and provided more shared time. Dad, Mum and all five kids loved being at the lake. Mornings began with coffee out on the sundeck, looking out over the lake. Lunch was always on the deck unless it was raining, as was 4 o'clock afternoon tea. In between these brief moments of relaxation, Mum could be seen diving off the diving board, swimming, canoeing with Dad and perhaps a four-legged friend, exploring marshes in a tiny rowboat or walking in the woods on the hunt for blueberries or wildflowers. Folks who knew her well were not surprised to see her car parked on the side of the highway and discover her bent over in the ditch photographing some rare native plant.
But for all this, what our mother, Pat Guy, will be remembered for most is her kindness and positivity. People have remarked on how they have no memory of her complaining or speaking badly of others, but fondly remember her smile and engaging demeanour. She was a devoted wife, mother and friend, maintaining lifelong contact with family and friends, near and far.
The family would like to thank the Shaftesbury Retirement Residence for providing a comfortable home for our mother, a safe haven during COVID and a place to end her life in familiar surroundings; and to Esther`s Group who all loved and cared for Mum as if she were their Lola, grandmother, particularly her principal caregivers Daisy and Ivy.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Du Val Foundation of Knox Church (https://knoxwinnipeg.ca/DuVal-foundation), the Winnipeg Art Gallery or the charity of your choice.
A service will be held at Knox Church, 400 Edmonton Street on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. The service will be streamed and a link will be circulated early next week. Email PatGuyService@gmail.com if you need further information.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 22, 2022