The family of Pat Newton sadly announce her passing at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg in the early morning of April 18, 2017 lovingly surrounded by family members.
Patricia Louise Murphy was born August 29, 1929 in Waltham, Massachusetts to Archie and Mary Murphy (McDonald). She grew up in Nova Scotia, a place that remained forever in her heart. Raising a family as a navy wife meant frequent moves throughout Eastern Canada and thus no two of her six children were born in the same place.
The family settled in Stony Mountain in 1966. Mom was employed with Corrections Canada at Stony Mountain Institution as Assistant Warden for a number of years before moving to Regional Headquarters in Saskatoon in 1988. Mom was very honoured to receive the Exemplary Service Medal in 1993.
Upon retirement mom returned to Manitoba and never one to remain idle, she worked part-time at Seniors Resource in Stonewall and sat on the Citizens Advisory Board of Rockwood Institution. Failing health prompted a move to Winnipeg in 2015. The family would like to thank the staff at The Waverly and her home care providers for making mom’s time there enjoyable.
Mom will be lovingly remembered by her children Robert Newton (Kazuko), Patti Charison, Donna Newton (Randy Laye), Jacquelynn Newton (Brian Anderson) and Carolynn Pensak (Tony). Her grandchildren Kaine and Tomo Newton; Derek, Jay (Cheryl), and Aaron Charison; Ashleigh Newton; Meagan (Jeremiah) Fitzpatrick, Quinn and Ryleigh Anderson; Rayne Pensak; step-grandchildren Jena (Dave and Britton), Laine, Keegan (Jill and Oliver) Anderson and great-grandchildren Hayley Charison; Ashton and Ali Charison; Joshua and Madison Charison. In her last few months mom enjoyed watching Jacquelynn and Brian’s little grandson Oliver grow into an active toddler.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, son Donald (1975) and son-in-law Brian (1998).
In the last several weeks mom was able to enjoy visits with her family and she proudly watched Canada win the World Curling Championships. Her mind remained sharp and witty right to the end.
Mom will be remembered as an independent, hardworking and private person who in spite of her best efforts really could not carry a tune. Her spaghetti and meat sauce, lemon pie, apple crisp and chocolate chip cookies were family favourites. Each grandchild and great grandchild was blessed with hand knit toques, mitts and sweaters until arthritis forced her to give up this favourite past time.
In accordance with mom’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Her wish for her ashes to be dispersed at Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia will be honoured at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba in mom’s memory. The family would like to sincerely thank the amazing doctors, nurses, aides and staff of 3 South at the Grace Hospital for the compassionate and respectful care they provided to mom the past three weeks.