Patricia Joan Anderson (nee Sharplin), passed peacefully at Foothills Hospital on Friday, May 10, 2019. She is survived by her partner George Golinsky, children Sheila (Jeff), Dawne and Valerie (Ian), grandchildren Trevor, Shaun, Rebecca, Heather, Rachel, Tessa, Garrett and Meagan and her siblings Richard, Ted and Cathy.
Pat was the first born of the four children of Mary and Walter Sharplin. Pat moved from home in Camrose at the age of 16 to attend the nursing program at the University of Alberta. In 1958, she delivered the valedictorian address at her graduation. For the ensuing 60 years, her classmates would remain central to her ever expanding social circle.
While at university Pat was captivated by the quick wit and sparkling eyes of an Englishman, Ian Anderson. They were married in May 1959 with the lilacs in full bloom and shared their life to the fullest for 36 years.
Following their move to Calgary, Pat continued her nursing career at the Holy Cross, Rockyview and Calgary General hospitals. Despite the demands of shift work and three young daughters at home they still managed to carve out time for fun – it was a priority. Pat and Ian became early members of the Calgary Winter Club and Silver Springs Golf Club. They played hard on and off the course and made many lifelong friends, joining together for numerous camping trips in BC, holidays in Hawaii and curling bonspiels in Scotland and elsewhere.
After their girls had flown the coup, Pat and Ian swapped their Dalhousie house for a Pace Arrow motorhome and took quickly to enjoying winters in Arizona and other sunny haunts.
In 1996, after Ian’s death, Pat and George Golinsky became a twosome. They were like teenagers in love. Over the next 22-plus years the duo embarked on innumerable adventures. When they weren’t rolling toward Casa Grande in an ever-lengthening series of motorhomes, they cruised oceans and rivers, navigated Irish lanes, admired the Pyramids and went walkabout Down Under.
Pat and George were very best friends, lovers, golf partners and traveling buddies. He was there with and for her until the end.
In recent years Pat fought the return of cancer and, by late 2017, it was recognized as terminal. Pat made the most of her last couple of years – attending the weddings of two grandsons, holidaying in Hawaii and Mexico with family and spending time with good friends in Casa Grande and at home. As difficult as it was, she had ample opportunity to say good-bye.
Pat was quick to pun and often the most sensible in the room. Her pragmatic outlook, accepting demeanor and fervour for fun made her a remarkable lady. She was ever gracious until the end, more concerned with others than herself. She will be forever missed; however, a piece of her will remain safely in our hearts.
The family wishes to thank the Palliative Home Care team and Foothills Hospital staff, many cherished friends, and especially George Golinsky, for their loving care during Pat’s final months.
A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on June 15 at Silver Springs Golf Club (1600 Varsity Estates Drive).
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Patricia Joan Anderson nee Sharplin 1938 2019 (age 81)..
Décès pour la Ville: Calgary, Province: Alberta