Genevieve Grace Patterson
January 20, 1920 ~ February 12, 2015
Genevieve Patterson, born in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1920, passed away peacefully in Creston on February 12, 2015, at age 95. She was an educator and a lover of books.
Her family homesteaded near Creelman, Saskatchewan and later moved to a farm near Mannville, Alberta where Genevieve attended public school. Genevieve and her four siblings were shown the world through books presented by their mother. She enjoyed a childhood rich with pets, hummingbird nests, wild crocuses, and Shetland ponies raised on the family farm.
Following two years of Normal School in Edmonton, Genevieve began teaching in rural Alberta at the age of nineteen. Her love of reading was passed on to her students for the next twenty-five years.
In the early 1940’s, Genevieve married Claude Patterson. Together they danced to the big band music of Glen Miller, played and listened to more music while raising three children.
Genevieve taught school in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. She multi-tasked as librarian for six schools and kept the books for Claude’s sewing machine business until retiring to Vancouver Island. Eventually, grandchildren drew them to Creston where both parties benefited from many shared years.
Genevieve enjoyed a comfortable life at Orchard Park Condominiums reading, quilting, sewing, beading, knitting, doing embroidery and crossword puzzles, and record-keeping. She loved her pets, her piano, the library, and the TAPS bookclub.
Genevieve’s piano has been donated to the Monte Anderson Music Foundation. Contributions in Genevieve’s name are welcome at the Creston Library.
Genevieve was predeceased by her parents Isabel and Thomas Henderson, as well as siblings Bethea, Ruth, Helen and Alexander. She is survived by daughters Georgia (Jonathan Darbyshire, deceased) and Tanna Patterson (Gene Zackowski) of Creston, and son Terry (Brenda) Patterson of Calgary; grandchildren Jan and Sebastian Zackowski, and Stephanie (Josh) Shire.
Thank you to the compassionate staff at Crest View Village who fly beyond the job description, the Creston Hospital, Canada’s nicest Doctor Oberleitner, and best friends at Orchard Park Condominiums.
Friends are welcome to join the Celebration of Life at G.F. Oliver Funeral Chapel, 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2015.