Patricia Foley

Patricia Foley

The family announces with sorrow the passing of Patricia Foley (nee Byers) at Trumbull Memorial Hospital on November 27, 2003. She is survived by Jack, her beloved husband of 33 years and by her three adored and adoring children David (Therese) of Warren, John of Denver and San Diego and Judy (Dan) of Cleveland, step-daughter Kelly (Ken) Coatney of Granby, CO and by her devoted grandchildren Sarah, David (Andrea), Erin and Scotty and great grandchild Hunter, all of whom she deeply loved.

Pat and deceased sister Daphne Joan Marie Rose, were born in St. Catherine's, Ontario, to parents William and Ella Byers, who had both emigrated to Canada from England. When Pat was young, her family moved to Toronto. She attended schools in Toronto and later worked for the Bell Telephone Company.

From her earliest years and throughout her life, Pat had an abiding passion for music, art and nature both as an observer and a participant. A student of the Royal Conservatory of Music, she studied piano and was an accomplished pianist. Pat was also a promoter of local ballet, Stephen Foster Chorus, and many art and civic organizations. She sang with the Harvey Perrin Choir and with the Leslie Bell Singers who sang on Canadian radio and television. Pat attended the annual reunions of the Leslie Bell Singers until the end of her life. Herself a painter, Pat was an avid supporter of the Trumbull Art Guild which gave her a continuing opportunity to explore and appreciate the world of art. She took particular delight in Canada's artists known as the Group of Seven whose special focus was the Canadian north - its rocks, lakes and forests, all of which were deeply important to Pat.

After the death of her first husband, Ron Laing, in 1967, Pat, through the wondrous combination of her love of music and the north, met the man who would become the cornerstone of her life. Jack and Pat were married in 1970 and settled in Howland Township with their young family. Summers were spent at their cottage on Lake St. Nora near Dorset in northern Ontario, a place very special to Pat and Jack and their family. In spite of her illness, Pat spent this past summer at her beloved cottage with her family who were the center of her life. Ever optimistic and ready for a challenge, Pat and Jack, in September, took a long awaited trip to England and Scotland to finally meet an old pen pal of Pat's of nearly 50 years and to visit her family roots in northeast England.

All creatures benefited from Pat's presence. She fed the birds and loved the creatures of the north, especially the loons on Lake St. Nora and the moose and wolves of Algonquin Park. Her garden was a delight and was often filled with the laughter of her children and their families as they played and sang with their grandmother. And of course, wonderful homecooked food was part of the welcoming warmth all received when visiting the Foleys. It was just one part of all she gave to others.

Pat's warmth and love extended beyond her family to her fortunate friends who relied upon her strong support, good advice and sense of humor - delivered in person, by phone or email and, of course, by pen. Everyone looked forward to opening the letter or card, written in an exquisite hand and always full of the essential Pat - warm, open and able to express a strong and thoughtful opinion on matters of importance or to listen and respond to the need, ideas and thoughts of others.

Friends may call Sunday, November 30, 2003, from 4-8:00 pm at the McFarland & Son Funeral Home, 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, and the memorial service will be celebrated at SS. Cyril & Methodius Church, 185 Laird Ave., N.E., Warren, Monday, December 1, 2003, at 11:00 am. The Rev. Fr. James Walker will officiate. Arrangements are in charge of the McCardell-White-McFarland Funeral and Cremation Service. Friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.mcfarlandfuneral.com .

Pat will be deeply missed and always remembered by all who knew and loved her and were touched by her indomitable spirit.

Material tributes can be made to The Friends of Algonquin Park, Box 248, Whitney, Ontario KOJ2MO, CANADA.