Skip to content

Patricia Alice Victoria McIntyre

January 16, 2008

Patricia McIntyre died peacefully at Ottawa Civic Hospital on Jan. 16, 2008.

She was born in Fort Garry, Manitoba in 1928, daughter of Bill and Vera O'Grady.

Predeceased in 2005 by Donald, her husband of 55 years. Survived by three children of whom she was very proud; Douglas (Kimberley) of Redwood City, Calif; John (Terri) of Clearwater, B.C.; and Sheila (Sanda) in Ottawa; her grandson Kale (Jayci); her sister, Shelagh Horel; and many O'Grady and McIntyre nieces and nephews and offspring, particularly Michael and Frances O'Grady who hosted many a great party that included Don and Pat who came East to join Pat’s children, spouses and Ellwood House friends for Pat's gala 80th birthday celebrations.

Pat was a strong believer in community service and donated her leadership, formidable organizing skills, bottomless energy, wit and generosity to many individuals groups and institutions, notably the Canadian Girl Guide movement, Wellington County Museum, Helmcken Hospital and the Alter Guilds, Women's Auxiliaries and parishes of Anglican Churches in St. Lambert, QC, Toronto, Kingsway, Birch Island and Barriere, B.C., and Ottawa.

She truly loved life, tried to make every day count, and expressed her vitality in everything — gardening, needlework — the vibrant colours and textures she carefully chose, Christmas baking, running the farm, starting a bookstore, traveling, storytelling, designing and decorating her own homes and imagining how to re-do every space she visited, collecting antiques, passing on kindnesses and nourishing family ties.

Though she was a gifted homemaker, she broke all the moulds constraining women of her generation.

She loved to pull people together, organize huge parties, get dressed to the nines, dance, laugh and on special occasions, share some champagne.

She managed all of this for five memorable days of birthday gatherings last week. She had integrity and courage to burn.

We will miss her dearly.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no memorial services. If desired, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.