Obituary of Patricia Breen

February 12, 1931 – Sydney, Australia

March 24, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Patricia Breen, beloved wife of H.L. Peter Breen, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the age of 93 years.

Patricia was born in Sydney, Australia, on February 12, 1931, to Linda and Walter Ross. She grew up in the Marrickville area of Sydney, where she met her future husband at a community dance.

After getting married, Patricia and Peter moved to Calgary, AB, in 1951. After working in Calgary for Alberta Government Telephones (A.G.T.) for five years, Patricia began her family with the birth of her daughter, Cathy, in 1956 and her son, Michael, in 1959.  After raising her children for a decade, Patricia updated her education, attending the University of Calgary where she achieved a bachelor’s degree with Distinction in Western Canadian History.  She then worked as a docent at the new Glenbow Museum, sharing her knowledge about her adopted country.

Patricia developed a very keen interest in yoga in the mid-1960s and this early interest became a lifetime pursuit.  “Gran” continued her daily yoga practice for almost 60 years until the age of 91, contributing to her remarkable and sustained quality of life.  Moreover, her involvement in yoga led to the development of a tremendously holistic, peaceful, and kind existence.  She will be remembered by family, friends, and several people she had interactions with, a most kind, gentle, and loving human being.

Patricia is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Roger Phillips of Ottawa, and her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Janice Breen of Calgary, as well as by two granddaughters, Bronwyn and Rhiannon Breen.  Patricia was predeceased by her husband Peter Breen on March 18, 2019.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Patricia’s family here.

In living memory of Patricia Breen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.