Patricia’s Obituary
Patricia “Pat” Armstrong (nee Fraser)
1927 -2021
Armstrong (nee Fraser), Patricia Nancy “Pat” – age 93, Kingston, Nova Scotia, went home to her Lord on Monday, June 7, 2021. She was born in Montreal on August 18, 1927. Pat was a loving wife to Owen Douglas “Doug” Armstrong, for 71 years. She was a joyful mother and enthusiastic supporter of her five daughters, Rev. Dr. Ida Armstrong-Whitehouse (Gregg), Tantallon; Darlene Armstrong (Rhys Wade), Sonoma, California; Bonnie (Bill) Spurr, Melvern Square; Colleen Armstrong-Shaw (Jim), Truro; and Pat Armstrong-Wilson (Bob), Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; her 14 grandchildren; Meaghan, Maia, Mary, Lisa, Melissa, Melanie, William, John, Joe, John, James, Sarah, Rhys and Cameron; as well as 11 exceptional great grandchildren and 17 special nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her three sisters and one brother. Pat was the daughter of the late William Fraser, a prominent engineer (Chief Engineer – St. Lawrence Seaway Project) and his wife Irene (Bedard), a mother and artist, who could also dance the Highland fling. When the family moved to Wolfville, Pat, with a love of the arts, enrolled in 1st year studies for a BA at Acadia University and found time to compete on the swim team and meet Doug Armstrong, who was studying engineering. Pat went on to study nursing in Halifax and received her cap, before marrying Doug on June 18, 1949, and moving to Kingston, Nova Scotia.
Pat was a creative mother and artist herself. She shared her love of music, theatre, painting, and dance with her daughters. She thought nothing of taking her daughters to Acadia to attend all the musical theater productions or purchasing a beautiful art book. Pat spent countless hours chauffeuring her girls to music lessons, attending their recitals, and teaching her daughters how to dance in the kitchen by standing on her feet. She had a passion for reading especially books about medicine and the Christian faith. Pat never complained and was always grateful.
Mom was the fun one, always willing to take her daughters out of school for an “educational” shopping expedition in Halifax. For her, life was an adventure, and she encouraged her family to find occupations and/or hobbies that made them happy. As each grandchild came along, she encouraged their artistic abilities.
Pat was a devoted believer of Jesus Christ and loved the Lord. Christian ministry was an important part of Pat’s life. For decades, she led Sunday school classes, inspiring children and adults at the Kingston United Baptist Church. She lent her voice to the choir and to CGIT (Canadian Girls In Training). As a young mom, Pat was the director at Kingswood Camp and took an active interest in its program throughout her life. Pat and Doug were founding members of the Atlantic Christian Ashram and Faith at Work. They attended the United Church Camp Meeting in Berwick for over 65 years and Pat loved meeting old friends and new ones while walking through the beautiful grounds filled with hemlock trees. They also contributed to the work of the Acadia Divinity College and other countless charities. When Pat was in her mid 60’s, they went on a mission trip to Kenya where they learned first-hand about the problems facing poorer nations and spoke about these issues upon their return. She also helped counsel and create a support group in the Valley (Recovery Inc.) to assist those dealing with mental health problems and volunteered on a crisis line for years.
Pat was accepting of all personalities. She relished the diversity of life, instead of wanting people to fit into a certain “mold.” One of her favorite books was “Please Understand Me” by Keisey/Bates. Many grandchildren and prospective husbands filled out the accompanying personality test, so she could better understand and love them more fully.
Pat and Doug found time for tennis and downhill skiing, switching to cross country in their 70’s. Pat, an avid swimmer, continued swimming into her late 80’s. They were both a familiar sight in Kingston on their daily walks.
As Pat and Doug turned 90, they were lovingly assisted at home by Kristy (Freeman) Beals and Mary Thibeau, who became part of the extended family. We would also like to give a special thank you to Dr. Kevin McGuire for his compassionate care. When Doug passed away, September 2020, Pat was warmly welcomed by Lorraine White and family at Graceview Residence in Victoria Vale. Pat passed away peacefully on Monday, June 7, 2021, after a few songs, sung by all her daughters (some on zoom) and grandchildren.
Pat wanted her family to feel special, safe, heard and loved. She didn’t just show love, she was love. Pat will be sadly missed and always fondly remembered by her family, friends and community.
Due to public gathering restrictions, there will be a private visitation at the Middleton Funeral Home. A funeral service by invitation only in the Kingston United Baptist Church, with Rev. Barbara Bishop officiating. masking, social distancing, and hand sanitizing are required. A private interment will follow in North Kingston Cemetery.
A live webcast of the funeral will be available for viewing through the funeral home website ‘Live Stream’ option beginning at 1:55 p.m. ADT, Sunday, August 29.
If so desired, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to the Kingston United Baptist Church, Atlantic Christian Ashram, Acadia Divinity College, Kingswood Camp or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com
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August 18 1927 June 07 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Patricia Nancy Armstrong August 18 1927 June 07 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Middleton, Province: Nova Scotia