Obituary of Patricia Joan Hawkins

September 20, 1933 - Spirit River, Alberta

September 12, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Patricia “Pat” Hawkins of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the age of 90 years.

Pat was a core member of the "Peace River Gals," a small, tight-knit, and astoundingly funny group of women who grew up together in the town of Peace River. Long after they moved away, these lifelong friends brought a sparkle into the world. Reunions were filled with laughter and rapid-fire wit. It was a wonderful thing to witness, and an inspiring monument to the power of friendship.

While still in Peace River, Pat met and married Jim Hawkins. A few years later they and their two children moved to Calgary. Soon there were seven children sharing the house on Klamath Place. Over 60 years later, she was still happiest living in the house where she raised her family. She loved to garden and maintained a beautiful yard that brought her a lot of joy.

Pat became a widow at far too young an age, before some of the children were adults. As with everything in her life, she simply carried on and made the second half of her life as rich as the first. Pat filled her time with close friends, family, volunteer work, and a keen interest in current events, music and theatre.

She was quiet but perceptive. Right up to the end, people would remark on her lovely smile and quick eyes.

She raised us, she guided us, she supported us, and she loved us. We loved her back, and we already miss her informed and clever views on life, family, and society.

Pat was born in the fall, and it remained her favourite season. It's only fitting that she leaves us just when the colours start to change and we feel the crisp autumn air. We toast her memory and will bake a fresh pumpkin pie in her honour.

Pat was predeceased by her husband Jim, her parents Vic and Jean, and her sister Lavona. She is survived by her brother Bill and her children David (Nora), John, Ian (Cheryl), Gordon, Jane (Tom), Maureen (Kelly), and Neil (Jennifer). She is also survived by her grandchildren Eleanor, Ashley, Selwynne, Garrett, Samantha, Dustin, Jessica, Nate, and Claire.

There will be a private family memorial at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, 120, 6835 Railway Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2V6 Telephone: (403) 243-9901, www.parkinsonassociation.ca or to your favourite charity.

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

In living memory of Patricia Hawkins, 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.