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Obituary For Patricia Gabrielle Marie Reid
Feb 20, 1941 to Dec 15, 2023
Age 82
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Reid – mother,
mother-in-law, grandmother, and sister to Anita. Pat was the second daughter born to
Annette and Emile, arriving on February 20, 1941, in the town of St. Boniface, Manitoba
where she spent most of her childhood. She enjoyed spending time with her grandmother
(ma mere), her sister and many cousins on the family farm. In 1956 the family moved west
to the town of Grande Prairie, AB. Pat attended St. Joseph’s High School graduating in
1960. A high school ambition was to become a teacher but life put her on a different path
and she worked in the interior design industry. She earned a certificate from the New York
School of Interior Design in 1964 and after moving to Edmonton, AB she managed a
drapery store. It was here that she met Don French at the local pharmacy where he
worked. Pat and Don married in 1965 and welcomed four children; Michelle, Pamela, Karen
and Nicole. In addition to raising her four daughters, Pat devoted significant time to
volunteering at St. David’s United Church. Here she was part of the choir, a Sunday School
and youth group leader and a lay minister.
The family moved back to Grande Prairie in 1982 where she continued her involvement
with the United Church, eventually becoming the church’s secretary. In 1986 she started
with the United Way, where she became a force within the not-for-profit sector in Grande
Prairie. During her 20 years as United Way President, she helped facilitate some enduring
initiatives for the community. Pat was a founding board member of the Community
Foundation in 1996, a meaningful legacy that continues. In 1998, Pat was elected as an
Alderman and served the City of Grande Prairie for one term. Throughout the years, Pat
was very involved in the community. She held director positions on the Chamber of
Commerce Board, the board of trustees for the QEII Foundation, the Centre 2000 project,
the steering committee of the Community Village and the President’s Council for the United
Way of Canada. She became one of two Centennial Ambassadors for the city of Grande
Prairie, receiving an Alberta Centennial medal. She served as the Interim Director of the
Hospital Foundation for 1 ½ years. Pat was a dedicated member of the Grande Prairie
Rotary Club from 1998 to 2013.
In 2006, Pat retired from the United Way. She went on to start Vision Ventures, a charitable
giving management business. Her contracts included being project manager for the Cool
Aid Society and raising funds for the new Montrose Cultural Centre.
Pat moved to Vancouver, BC in 2013 to live on the coast with her daughter’s family. She
returned to Grande Prairie in 2015 where she resided until her passing.
Pat is survived by her children Michelle Thompson (Micheal), Pam Dueck (Dana), and
Nicole French-Gillies (Kevin). Her sister Anita (Herb) Janzen. Pat had seven grandchildren
who she was very proud of: River Rozon, Cailey Chorney, Sarah Rozon, Talon Chorney,
Tessa Duhamel, Jacob Duhamel and Andrew Thompson.
Pat was predeceased by her daughter Karen Duhamel and her parents Emile Fontaine,
Annette and Jean Chagnon.
A Celebration of Life will take place on December 23rd, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Bear Creek Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of giving back, please consider making a donation to a local
charity of your choice.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780 830-7742 bcfh.ca
20/02/1941 15/12/2023
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta
death notice Patricia Gabrielle Marie Reid 20/02/1941 15/12/2023
obituaries notice Patricia Gabrielle Marie Reid 20/02/1941 15/12/2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Patricia Gabrielle Marie Reid 20/02/1941 15/12/2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
