Dorothy "Gladys" Paterson

Our mother passed away on Saturday, August 18th, 2018 after 100 years of a full and diverse life. She was born in the Portage District General Hospital on February 1st, 1918 the first surviving child of Dorothy and Robert McKay. The hospital continued to play a large part in her life as she trained at the hospital, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1941 and nursed there for the next 3 years before marrying her farmer husband Guthrie Paterson. She and father both served on the PG hospital board a total of 18 years and she volunteered as a nurse in a variety of capacities.

Mother grew up in the Belle Plain and Burnside areas with her brothers Douglas (died in WW II), Leslie, Robert and sister Edythe (Simpson). They remained a very close family and holidayed and socialized together on many occasions as they watched their families grow. Dad and Mom lived and farmed just outside High Bluff until they relocated 5 k east of Portage la Prairie and later retired to 13th street in town.

Mother was incredibly civic minded. She presided over the Portage Arts Council, attended the United Church and the UCW, was a Girl Guide leader for over 20 years, and volunteered for many other groups and organizations. She represented a skin care line, canvased for charities and politics, and supported all things local from farmers markets to little theatre productions to boarding Terrier hockey players and interning doctors. Mother filled her days with her many interests - writing with the Prairie Pens, quilting with the Quilting Grannies, exercising with other senior swimmers, keeping tabs on her Siamese cats, and of course, going to the cottage at Delta. She revered nature and fed the birds, photographed many animals and gloried in sunsets. Mom was always up for a conversation about politics and/or current affairs.

She was a binding force in our family and worked at keeping current with her grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She outlived her husband Guthrie, son Bill, her siblings and most of her peers, but kept up with a wonderful collection of younger people and family members. Mother genuinely cared about her family and friends and looked forward to their news and visits.

Mother shared her well lived life with her children, Lauren Tate (Barrie), Lesley Sanderson (Bob-(d)), Bill Paterson-(d) (Nora), Patti Ingram (Phil-(d)) and Phil Watson along with 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Along with these descendants, she will be remembered by her brother in law Bill Simpson and sister in law Grace Mealy as well as by the families of her 14 nieces and nephews.

Family and friends recently celebrated her life with her in attendance.  There will be a graveside service at a later date.

Donations in mom’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021