Obituary of Elizabeth Gail (Gizella) Pat

February 28, 1951 - Hungary

April 5, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Elizabeth (“Liz”) Pat (nee Nagy), beloved wife of Berend (Ben) Pat, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at the age of 71 years.

Liz was born in Hungary to Elizabeth and Louis Nagy, escaping with her family to Austria during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and immigrating to Canada in 1957. Growing up in Calgary, she graduated from St. Francis High School and went on to graduate from Hollingshead Business College. In October, she met her true love Ben, they were inseparable and married within a year. Liz worked for a number of years as a secretary at Prudential insurance before embracing a selfless devotion to motherhood with her children Ryan and Lisa.  Her work transitioned over the years to numerous areas with the common thread of service to young people – providing a loving childcare day home for more than 20 years, transportation for children in foster care, and of course continued care for daughter Lisa throughout the years. 

Liz was devoted to her beautiful flowers and gardens; loved to travel, read, and paint; was a music and Scrabble enthusiast, and enjoyed walking in Fish Creek Park, sewing projects, and creating photo scrapbooks.  She also greatly enjoyed the culinary arts especially when combined with family gatherings.

Rarely known to speak a negative word, Liz radiated positivity and cheer around her.  She possessed a generosity of spirit, a love of humour, and an inclination to put a positive spin on anything that might come along.  Ever-ready to jump in and add her talents, she was always looking for opportunities to lift others up.

Liz leaves behind her beloved Ben, with whom she recently celebrated 50 years of marriage.  Also left to remember her are son Ryan (Lisa Ann) and daughter Lisa, grandchild Desiree (Stuart), mother Elizabeth; sisters, Gizella (Bela) and Eva (Ken); and nieces and nephews, Robert, Rebecca (Adam and son John), Andrea (Martin and children Oscar and Annie), Matthew (Jenna and children Brynn and Chase), and Elliot.  Her father Louis (Lajos) had gone before her.  Ben’s siblings Anja (Arij and children), Ann (Frank and children), and George will also deeply miss her, as will all friends, neighbours and her extended family including in Hungary.

A Celebration of Elizabeth’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Monday, April 18, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Public-health rules no longer require masks but we appreciate your choice to wear one. A private graveside service will be held at Eden Brook Cemetery prior to the celebration of her life. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful work of Dr Heng and his team at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre over numerous years, as well as the medical team at the Rockyview Hospital and palliative care nursing team.

In living memory of Elizabeth Pat, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.