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PAT RATHWELL
Born: Apr 12, 1927
Date of Passing: Jun 04, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryPAT RATHWELL
Pat Rathwell passed away in Brandon, MB on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the age of 99 years.
A casual gathering of friends will be held at the Backyard on Aberdeen, 1624 13th Street, Brandon on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
Publish Date: Jun 20, 2026
PAT RATHWELL
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Pat Rathwell, with family by her side at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the age of 99 years.
Pat was born in Brandon on April 12, 1927 to parents, Allan and Agnes Douglas. Upon completing school, Pat moved to Winnipeg and attended nursing school at the Winnipeg General Hospital, graduating in the class of 1949A. Moving back to Brandon a few years later, she began her professional journey at the Brandon General Hospital which led to a large circle of lifelong friends. Her retirement party sold out and broke a BGH record for the number of attendees.
Pat was dynamic and effervescent. She had a remarkable sense of humour and was a sought after participant whenever a skit or funny poem was called for. She remained active outside of work and into retirement, curling at the Brandon Curling Club, golfing at Killarney Lakeside Golf Course and volunteering for 25 plus years at Special Olympics Westman. Friends came from all walks of life and there were many!
Pat was fiercely independent, only moving into Victoria Landing when her eyesight began to fail. She never complained and taught herself adaptive strategies to cope with her disability. When life challenges arose she faced them with fortitude and strength of character.
For 40 plus years Pat and many of her friends and relatives enjoyed time at her little cottage on Killarney Lake. Golfing, playing cards, dozing on the deck with a good book and happy hours were the order of the day and many cherished memories were made.
One of the recent highlights of Mom's life was her attendance at the 75th Reunion of the Nurses' Alumni Association in Winnipeg. She looked like a million bucks and no one would, have guessed she was the oldest one there, well into her 90s.
Pat will be lovingly remembered by her children, Andy (Emily) of Port Alice, BC and Janet (Mac) McMillan of Brandon as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom she adored. She was predeceased by her parents, Allan and Agnes Douglas, brother Ted of Calgary and brother John of Minneapolis.
As per Pat's wishes there will be no service.
A casual gathering of friends will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Backyard on Aberdeen, 1624 13th St. Brandon. There is ample parking and assistance if needed. You are encouraged to bring a favourite memory of Pat to share.
Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire a donation in honour of Pat can be made to the Special Olympics of Manitoba Westman Region Unit 304,145 Pacific Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 2Z6 or to the CNIBGuideDogs.ca
Publish Date: Jun 11, 2026
As published in Brandon Sun, Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 11, 2026, Jun 20, 2026
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Dear Janet, Mac and Family...My sincere condolences in the passing of your Mom. Janet, what a loving tribute you wrote to your Mom who was spirited, courageous, and determined! May she rest in paradise. - Posted by: Lori Sherron (friend) on: Jun 18, 2026
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What a beautiful tribute to Aunt Pat. She was truly a legend, and our only wish is that we lived closer so we could cherish more moments with her. The memories we hold are filled with laughter, love, authenticity, and positivity—her spirit shining brightly in all who knew and loved her. She was sunshine in human form, brightening every moment. Sending our deepest love and condolences to Janet, Mac, Andy, and Emily during this difficult time. Love Debbie and Charlie - Posted by: Debbie and Charlie (Niece) on: Jun 14, 2026
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On behalf of the Winnipeg General Hospital/Health Sciences Centre Nurses Alumni Association we extend our heartfelt condolences to Pat’s family and friends on her recent passing. Pat graduated from WGH with the class of 1949A. She was able to attend her 75th reunion in May 2024. Those who had the opportunity to meet and speak with her commented on her vitality and interest in all the activities. She will be missed. - Posted by: Carol Galbraith (Friendship Convenor WGH/HSC Nurses Alumni Association) on: Jun 14, 2026
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On behalf of the WGH/HSC Nurses Alumni Association we extend our heartfelt condolences to Pat’s family and friends on her recent passing. She graduated from the Winnipeg General Hospital with the 1949A class. She attended her 75th reunion following her nursing graduation in May 2024. Those who had the opportunity to meet and speak with her remarked on her vitality and interest in the events. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched. - Posted by: Carol Galbraith (Friendship Convenor Winnipeg General Hospital/Health Sciences Centre Nurses Alumni Association) on: Jun 14, 2026
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Dear Andy and Janet - so sorry for the loss of your mom. Auntie Pat will be missed. She was full of life, witty and funny. I loved spending time with her when Mom, Duane and I came for a visit. I talked to her October last year. She told me " that she was getting shorter as her pants were getting longer". We had a chuckle. I always remember visiting her in Killarney and playing "Hello Dolly" on the piano. You will always be remembered Auntie Pat. RIP. Love from your niece Cheryl Weiman - Posted by: Cheryl Weiman (Niece) on: Jun 13, 2026
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we were so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. Pat was one of Moms best pals and they had such fun and laughs together. She will be missed by many The last time I seen Pat was at Moms Celebration of Life and she looked great. Just wanted to send this note. ..........Wendy Burnside.........daughter of Fran Woods - Posted by: Wendy Burnside (friend) on: Jun 11, 2026