PATTY (CAINE) LOEWEN

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PATTY (CAINE) LOEWEN Patty passed away peacefully on January 31, 2013 at the age of 45. She will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Chris, daughter Kiah (age 15), and sons Ethan (age 12) and Seth (age 10). Patty was a devoted sister, auntie and friend. She leaves behind her sisters, Eileen-Marie and Kathleen and their families; Chris's father and siblings and their families; and a huge network of friends. Patty was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Marie Caine, her brother, Robert, her sister, Maureen, and Chris's mother Kae. One of five children, Patty was a cheerful and active child. From a young age she was helpful and giving, always putting the needs of others before her own. Highly regarded for her enthusiasm, team spirit and strong work ethic, Patty was a natural leader in all of her athletic and academic pursuits. She strived for excellence in the classroom, on the track field, on the volleyball and basketball courts, and as student body president at both J.B. Mitchell Junior High and Kelvin High School. Following completion of a Master's Degree in Sociology at the University of Manitoba, Patty pursued a longstanding desire to help others with a career in social services. In the midst of a busy and productive life as a young adult, Patty met and married Chris. Patty and Chris were a dynamic team. Always supportive of one another's goals and dreams, theirs was a relationship based on deep mutual respect, shared interests and activities, and always, laughter. Once partnered with Chris, his passion for travel became Patty's. Together they explored and adventured, delighting in new experiences and enjoying an ever expanding circle of friends. With the arrival of Kiah, Ethan and Seth, Patty's happiness was complete. In her role as a mother, Patty shone. She embodied all of the qualities that every child deserves in a mother. She was nurturing, consistent and devoted to providing an enriching family life. She laughed, played, encouraged and listened. Always leading by example, Patty taught her children to be kind, joyful and resilient. It brought Patty great pleasure to photograph and archive special events and family vacations. She was immensely proud of her children and cherished each and every day with them. Patty was a remarkable person. She sought the positive in every situation, the good in every person and the hope in all adversity. She loved easily and forgave readily. She maintained friendships near and far and was valued for her loyalty and candid feedback. Patty's brilliant smile and vibrant presence lit up any room. In 2004, Patty faced the diagnosis of breast cancer with her characteristic optimism and determination. Undeterred by multiple surgeries and what would be nine years of medical treatments, Patty defied the odds and continued to embrace life fully. Always smiling, never bitter, Patty accepted her circumstances and lived every day with gratitude. She was an inspiration to everyone with whom she came in contact. Renowned for her generosity, it was fitting that Patty experienced an outpouring of support during her time of need. Heartfelt gratitude is expressed to those who brought food, cleaned, visited and held Patty and her family in their hearts. Patty was the grateful recipient of care by a variety of health care professionals over the past nine years; in particular, the Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospitals in Winnipeg, and the CancerCare Units in Winnipeg, Nanaimo, Victoria and Kelowna. Their compassion and expertise was instrumental in maintaining Patty's quality of life. Thank you to all of you. As is often true of extraordinary people, Patty was surprised that people regarded her as inspirational. She viewed herself as incredibly fortunate to have lived the life that she lived. Knowing that her death would cause great sadness for many, Patty's hope was that others would enjoy and cherish their own lives as much as she did hers. You are invited to join Patty's family and friends in her Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, 1315 Gateway Rd., Winnipeg, Manitoba. Donations may be made in Patty's memory to Osborne House Inc., P.O. Box 397, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1J4. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble. C.H. Spurgeon

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 02, 2013