September 6, 1951 - March 16, 2023
Pauline Ann Patterson, age 71, of Stratford, passed away peacefully with her family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth. Born in Kitchener, daughter of Frances (Fitzpatrick) Shantz and the late Bruce Shantz. True love and best friend of 52 years to Morgan Patterson. Loving mother of Joe (Angie), Dan (Morgan), Phil (Amparo) and Erin (Dan) Zuccala. Her dearly loved grandchildren Tyson, Wilson, Eli, Evangeline, Selah, Pearl, Mateo and Lincoln, who all have wonderful memories with and of her. Pauline is survived by her siblings Karyn (Steve) Smith, Patrick, Tony (Patricia), Jane (Terry) Aitcheson, her sister-in-law Linda Shantz (Dave)(the late Mike Shantz), and her father-in-law Don Patterson, sister-in-law Leah (Harvey) Green and her many nieces and nephews.
Besides her father Bruce, Pauline was predeceased by her mother-in-law Mary Patterson, her brother Mike Shantz and her brother-in-law Steve Patterson.
Pauline loved her job as an office administrator for 35 years in Student Services at St. Michael Catholic SS, Stratford. In her 35 years, she helped countless students as they entered the doors of the guidance office needing assistance with transcripts, appointments with counsellors, information about post secondary options or a listening ear while they waited. Pauline was a trusted friend to her colleagues and treasured her relationships with them. She was proud to be part of the Warrior family.
Pauline was an active and committed woman of faith. She embraced her relationship with Jesus and relied heavily on his love and workings in mysterious ways to ensure she, her family and others are cared for and loved.
Pauline grew up in a small wartime home with five siblings and her Mum and Dad, her three brothers shared one room and the three sisters sharing the other. Their tightknit family enjoyed many trips to Grand Bend, sunny days playing with cousins and annual large family reunions. Pauline’s strong foundation of family values set the stage for the life she and Morgan created with their own four children. They enjoyed numerous family camping trips, or she could often be found in the bleachers of the boys’ baseball and hockey games. She loved a good shopping trip with her mum, daughter, sisters, and nieces. Pauline was ecstatic to become a Grandma. She loved nothing more than seeing her family and friends enjoy a swim at the pool in the backyard. She often would be the first to jump in, and if a grandchild challenged her to a swim race, she always obliged.
Hours could be spent pool side laughing, talking and connecting while enjoying freshly cut watermelon. She introduced water balloon fights which is a treasured memory for her grandchildren. In 2017, she and her family purchased a family cottage on Lake Huron. The cottage has been a source of many cherished moments, whether yard work, assisting with renovations, making lunch for everyone, then dinner and the countless dishes after. Pauline also knew how to rest on the beach, enjoying the sunshine with a good book. Or alternatively watching the kids playing in the water, on her feet ensuring everyone was safe. She enjoyed countless sunsets on the porch with family chatting on the deck. Pauline’s physical presence will be missed deeply, however the fond memory of her will be found in using Corelle dishes, Lake Huron sunsets, and applying Polysporin to our cuts and bruises.
The family would like to sincerely thank all the wonderful staff at Rotary Hospice, Stratford GH, and London Health Sciences Centre for the exceptional care and compassion shown to their Mom, Grandmother, Wife and Sister. It is all very much appreciated. Along with the numerous phone calls, visits and food provided, the family thanks you all sincerely and from the bottom on our hearts.
In keeping with Pauline’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to Pauline’s visitation on Monday, March 20, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St, Stratford. Pauline’s Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 96 Huron St Stratford. Reception to follow in Parish Hall. Those who wish to join the family from their home can do so by clicking view webcast under Pauline’s obituary on the funeral home website. As expressions of sympathy, the family prefers memorial donations to Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth. This can be made directly by credit card through Pauline’s obituary on the funeral home website at www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com 519.271.7411.
