Patricia Hethrington

Patricia Lynn Hethrington of St. Albert, died unexpectedly on September 14, 2022.  Her husband of 22 years, Rob and her daughter, Lisa were by her side. She has gone too suddenly and too soon.

Pat leaves behind her husband, Rob; her daughter, Lisa; her two granddaughters, Rachel and Desiree; and her sisters, Sue, Trish, Loretta, Deb, and Kelli. She is pre-deceased by her adoptive parents, Thomas and Phyllis Hethrington; and her step-mother, Candy; who all loved her dearly throughout their lifetimes. Pat was blessed to meet and get to know her birth mother, Bev and her half-sisters.  She developed a close and loving relationship with them over the past few years.  She also leaves her Kappa Alpha Theta (UBC) sorority sisters and a world of family, relatives and friends to mourn her loss.

Pat was caring and generous to a fault.  She cared deeply for Lisa, Rob, Rachel and Desiree and all who knew her.  She was always there to help and support her family and friends in any way she could.  Pat generously donated to many charities as well.  She worked behind the scenes to assist Rob with Rotary International (Edmonton Northern Lights) and was recognized with Rotary’s Integrity Award and a Paul Harris Fellowship.

She loved cats.  Throughout her lifetime, Pat owned and cared for many cats, strays and rescues alike.  Friends were heard to say “When I die, I want to come back as one of Pat’s cats.”

Pat was truly intellectually gifted.  There were few puzzles she could not solve.  She only tackled the “Times” weekend crosswords because she found the others “too easy”. To the annoyance of her friends, she always did them in ink.

Pat was a world traveller and avid cruiser.  She loved Florence, Santorini, Provence, Rome, Hesse, Venafro, Jamaica, Tahiti, Rio, Kyoto, Ushuaia, Vancouver Island, Ville de Quebec, Niagara on the Lake and there will always be Paris.  But Pat’s favourite place was Alberta – even in the middle of winter. She was known to quote “I am the diamond glints on snow” from Mary Elizabeth Frye’s poem while driving through the sunny, minus 20-degree days.

Pat was a fabulous host.  Pat and Rob’s parties and gatherings at their home in Sturgeon County were famous.  They wowed everyone at their annual July 1^st   Flynn Fete Invitational Pig Roast and Bocce Tournament.  Pat and Rob’s celebration of nuptials in 2001 continues to be the talk of all those who attended.  “It was the best wedding ever!” has been heard many times over the years. The spectacular fireworks at Pat’s 50^th birthday generated much enjoyment for the many guests and most of the neighbourhood.  Pat was a joyous, beautiful woman. That “buxom blonde” in her blue Cadillac XLR hard top convertible, turned many an eye.

She zealously supported the Toronto Blue Jays, but especially “My boy, Bo!

Pat was known as “Mama Bear”.   She was a fierce competitor and a truly extraordinary person who loved life, family, and friends.  She leaves this world a better place for having been in it.  She will be missed.  She already is.

Pat’s ashes will be scattered at her birth family’s farm in Hardisty, Alberta.   A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in St Albert.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name to any one of her favourite charities, the Edmonton Humane Society, the Greater Edmonton Wildlife Rescue, or Plan International would be appreciated.

Special thanks to Dianne, Mary Ann, the staff and doctors at the University of Alberta Hospital, St. Albert EMS and Fire Services for your compassion and immediate support.  We know you did everything you could.

Dear Pat,

“O ye’ll tak’ the high road and I’ll tak’ the low road

And I’ll be in Scotland a’fore ye,

But me and my true love will never meet again,

On the bonnie, bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond.” 

Love, Rob.