PATTI MCKELVEY-ANDRUSIEK.

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PATTI MCKELVEY-ANDRUSIEK. Born in Kenora, ON in 1952, Patti grew up in Brantford, ON together with her sister Linda and brothers David and Glenn. In 1975, Patti took the opportunity to move to Winnipeg, where she continued her business education at the University of Winnipeg. Her love of people and caring nature drew her to a position at Charleswood Care Centre where she worked as a personal care aide for over 25 years. In 1980, Patti married Lyle and committed herself, heart and soul, to being his loving and supportive wife. She became cherished mother to Tanya and Matthew, and together Lyle and Patti raised them with a firm yet loving hand in a home filled with boundless energy, ribald sense of humour and unconditional love. In 2000, Tanya and Darren blessed Patti with her first granddaughter, Emma, who instantly became the light of Patti's life. Emma's sister Grace was born in 2003 and Patti fell in love all over again. This past summer, Patti was thrilled when Matt and Laurie moved back to the neighbourhood. She looked forward to cycling over for barbecue and pool days with the whole family, just like at Tanya and Darren's. Patti opened her heart freely to so many people. She was a fiercely loyal wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend. Patti and Debbie Coyston shared a particularly close bond, working together, laughing together and sharing special times at Lac du Bonnet together with Lyle and Brian and the host of family and friends who were always around. Patti loved her pets too. Spook, Blackie, Pookie, Kyra and Crimson were all pampered and doted upon, much to Lyle's consternation. Last September, Patti started her last and most dangerous journey armed with the same purpose and determination she brought to everything. Her fight for her life was no different to her than any other. It didn't need to be understood. It simply was. Every hill and crevasse was simply there and then it was behind, replaced by the next. Every person was there to help her and be thanked for their contribution even if it was simply to offer a little encouragement and waive her on her way. She never looked for the next obstacle. She never planned to lose. She simply travelled her road, comforting those she met along the way, climbing the next hill, fording the next stream. As the last part of her road came into view, Patti seemed to see where it led. Yet, she didn't despair, she simply travelled it. She didn't question it, she didn't curse it, she simply waived, comforted and thanked us all as she walked on, ultimately, turning on to a road we can't see, but will all some day follow. She told us she loved us and thanked us for the moments we shared with her. Some of us shared more of those moments, some fewer. Each of us who has even one has it forever. A celebration of Patti's life journey will take place on Friday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m. in Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Patti's memory to the Children's Hospital Foundation, (NeoNatal Unit), CE501-840 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1. THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY 1291 McGILLIVRAY BLVD.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2005