PATRICIA DREWETT (PAT) (GOHN)

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PATRICIA DREWETT

Patricia Elizabeth Drewett (née Gohn) passed away peacefully in Winnipeg, December 10, 2019 at Misericordia Place. She died knowing how loved she was. She was also aware that her beloved son Roy would find comfort sharing his memories and grief with the many friends and relatives who treasured her and provided ongoing love and support to Roy. If space permitted, we would name each of you, but you know who you are and how much you meant to Pat.
Among those who survive her and who will hold her memory in their hearts are cousins, Betty Stephen, Sonya (Scott) Wright and Dwili Burns, sister-in-law Donna Drewett; many nieces and nephews and their spouses; great-nieces and great-nephews; neighbours, church friends, nursing colleagues and countless others who had the good fortune to have known her.
Pat was predeceased by her husband, Allan Drewett; her parents, Ruby (née Crampton) and Roy Gohn; numerous adored aunts and uncles, mostly from the Portage la Prairie area and by many cousins and their spouses.
Pat was an only child, born on August 13, 1930. She was raised and attended school in Pine Falls, where her father worked at the paper mill. She had a happy childhood, and spent most of her holidays with her cousins, the Cramptons and the Campbells, often near Portage la Prairie and at Delta Beach. At the age of 18, she moved to Winnipeg and lived in residence while training at the School of Nursing at the Winnipeg General Hospital (now known as the Health Sciences Centre). It will come as no surprise to those who knew her well that Pat was recognized for her proficiency as a nurse. She worked as a nurse in Richmond, Virginia for three years. After moving back to Canada, she continued her nursing career for almost 12 years, retiring when Roy was born in 1965.
Pat played a huge role in the lives of her extended family and community, but above all else she was a devoted and loving mother to Roy. She also adored dogs; the family dog was always a huge part of the Drewett home.
Faith was an important part of Pat's life and she was an active member in all aspects at St. Andrew's River Heights United Church. She also volunteered with children with learning disabilities. She was a member of the Women's Canadian Club of Winnipeg and the Toastmistress Club, and was an avid theater-goer.
Pat had lifelong and enduring friendships with people around the world. She kept in touch, sent gifts and letters, remembered birthdays and anniversaries, made phone calls, and visited her many friends and relatives frequently. Her connections were meaningful and genuine.
To the many offspring of her cousins and their children, Pat was a grandmother who was loving, fun and mischievous. She made each of them feel special by attending their concerts and plays, helping with homework, frequent visits, baking her famous cheese biscuits and brownies, and participating in lots of shenanigans from the time they were very young and continuing after they became adults. They all adored her, and she adored them!
Pat and Roy were fixtures at our boisterous family parties and holiday celebrations. She never showed up empty handed, often bringing those famous brownies and her rice krispie cake embellished with chocolate chips. Pat never said no to a stiff gin and tonic, which may have contributed to the joy and energy she brought to gatherings. Her quick wit and sharp mind were deeply appreciated by all who knew her. She also was the keeper of family history, with photo albums and scrapbooks revealing stories of years gone by.
Pat's love of travel was legendary. She rarely said no to a trip and saw much of the world in her lifetime. Her travels took her to the UK, Thailand, Egypt, South Africa, Russia, Japan, Europe, Chicago, Washington, New York City and Denmark, often with Roy as her companion. She was also a welcome visitor of family living away in destinations such as London, Ottawa, Toronto, Halifax, Montreal and Calgary.
Because of her efforts to stay in touch, Pat's death leaves a huge gap in the lives of her extended family, as well as her many friends. Pat was loving, stoic, practical, smart and tough, but it is her cheerful, smiling and decidedly irreverent approach to life that we will miss most. She was an inspiration, and we will all miss her terribly.
The family would like to thank the nurses and other staff at Misericordia Place for their care and attention to Pat in her final two years.
Pat donated generously throughout her life to charities; her annual "giving" list included approximately 50 Manitoba organizations. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, should you wish, donations may be made in Pat's name to a charity of your choice.
A service and celebration of Pat's life will be held in Winnipeg in August 2020.

NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 21, 2019