Louise P. Gagnon

In the dawning hour of June 6, 2023, Louise Patricia ‘Pat’ Gagnon, in her 84th year died with her daughter Kristine at her side. Only 8 weeks prior she’d received a diagnosis of B Cell Lymphoma with a life expectancy to be measured in weeks. In the spirit of how she approached life, she chose to see it as a blessing to not be faced with a lingering disease. She was at peace with choosing this time to model what it is to leave this planet consciously and graciously. Enjoying the comforts of home Pat received end-of-life care, transitioning to the local Palliative Care Unit for her final hours.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her eldest son Greg Hilts, and her partner George Robbins. She is survived by her son, Blair Hilts, daughter-in-law Lucy and grandsons Andrew and Matthew, daughter, Kristine Gagnon, son-in-law Kevin, George’s son George and his partner Andrea, and grandson, Ryan, and George’s daughter Shelley. She also will be remembered by an extended family of biological and chosen relations.

Born in March 1939 to Frances ‘Sadie’ and Arthur Gagnon in Toronto, ON. As a student she excelled and was advanced two grade levels graduating at 17 years of age. Married in 1957, the early years of being a military wife took her to live on both the west and east coasts, then back to her home province. Pat enrolled in Teacher’s College in 1969 and in the fall of 1970, she began her teaching career at William Hiscock’s Public School in Gananoque, and until her retirement in 1998 she was a devoted teacher. She was ever a student of life, curious about the world - the why’s and how’s of all things and remained an educator dispensing knowledge and wisdom until the end.

A year following retirement Pat executed a long-held plan to return to Sidney, B.C. on Vancouver Island. With newfound time she cultivated a rich and varied social life and developed many cherished friendships. Pat had a vivacious personality and a noted great laugh for which she’ll be remembered. It being her nature she took on numerous leadership roles where she could be the organizer, for many years serving her Condo Strata and being the Queen of a robust Red Hat chapter. Over the years Pat enjoyed many adventures. She lived her life to the fullest and strove to fulfill every wish and whim.

Respecting her wishes, cremation has taken place and though no funeral service will be held there will be a Celebration of Life gathering held later this summer in Sidney, B.C. Blair and Kristine invite all who knew their mom to honour and celebrate her life, and who she was to you, in a manner that is meaningful for you.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the various health professionals who were in Pat’s circle of care, ranging from her GP Dr. George, the caring staff at Sidney Pharmacy, home support members of the Peninsula Community Palliative Program, and in particular the attending clinical team members of the Victoria Hospice Palliative Response Team and the compassionate staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Palliative Care Unit. For those so inclined, as an expression of sympathy donations to the Victoria Hospice Society would be appreciated by the family.