Patricia Mary Robertson

Passed away peacefully on November 20, 2015 at the age of 86. Predeceased by her beloved husband Albert James Robertson (1991). Loving mother of her son Michael and wife Robin and her son David and his wife Bernadette. Cherished grandmother of Erin, Kindra, Christine and Sacha. Sister of Beverley Simpson and sister in law of Kathleen Jenkins. Patricia was a proud nursing graduate serving the Salvation Army Grace Hospital in Windsor for many years. Visitation will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 895 Ouellette Avenue (519) 254-3223 on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A Memorial Service will take place in Anderson Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers as an expression of sympathy, memorial donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Please join us in remembering Patricia by visiting her memorial at www.andersonfuneralhomewindsor.com

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Patricia Mary Robertson who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Patricia was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Patricia knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Her parents were Morton & Winnifred. Patricia was raised in Windsor, Ontario. Even as a youngster, Patricia learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Patricia was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Patricia was raised with one sibling. She had a younger sister Beverley. Patricia had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Patricia, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

Patricia's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Patricia enjoyed being part of a team, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Patricia took part in tennis as a sport.

In school, Patricia was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Patricia was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Patricia’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Windsor's Kennedy Collegiate in 1947. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

Patricia’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. She would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Patricia’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped her stay on track but often put her ahead of schedule. When Patricia saw the need or benefit, she would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. She earned her nursing diploma from the Salvation Army Grace Hospital, Windsor in 1950.

Patricia was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Patricia was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Patricia came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, her best friend was Audrey Wheeler. Later in life, she became friends with Eunice Sinclair, Dawn Mellow, Shirley Gault, Nancy Jenner, Marge Bennett, Jean Liscombe and many others.

An objective and conscientious individual, Patricia reveled in the security of her family. On May 19, 1951 Patricia exchanged wedding vows with Albert James Robertson at the Westminster United Church in Windsor, Ontario. One of Patricia’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Patricia was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Patricia would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Patricia was blessed with Two, Michael & David. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Erin, Kindra, Christine, Sacha.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Patricia was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Patricia was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Patricia upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was as a nurse. She was employed for over 40 years in the nursing profession, most of which was spent at the Salvation Army Grace Hospital in Windsor. Patricia was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Patricia to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. In high school, Patricia played tennis. She also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list was hockey.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Patricia used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Patricia had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Aruba, Labrador, Northern Ontario and Mexico.

Patricia was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Patricia’s favorites was Poochie, a mixed breed dog and Shawna, a German Shepherd.

When Patricia’s retirement finally arrived in 1991, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. Her new life involved relocating to Gravenhurst, Ontario. In retirement, she found new pleasure in her grandchildren & family life. In many ways, Patricia loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Patricia passed away on November 20, 2015 at the Richmond Terrace Retirement Home in Amherstburg, Ontario. She is survived by her sons Michael & partner Robin, David & wife Bernadette and her four granddaughters, Erin, Kindra, Christine and Sacha. Services were held at the Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Centre in Windsor, Ontario. Patricia's Cremated Remains will be laid to rest in Gravenhurst Cemetery, Gravenhurst, Ontario.

All who knew her would agree that Patricia was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Patricia Mary Robertson did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.