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February 27, 1927 - November 1, 2022
In loving memory ~
Patricia Margaret Hartwell died peacefully on Tuesday, November 1st, 2022 at Discovery Harbor Care Home.
Patricia was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on February 27th 1927 to parents Percy and Ellen Barton. She was the last daughter in a family of five girls. Patricia was a twin sister to Penny, Nelly, Mona and Bea were her elder sisters all living in a busy home, hand built by Percy at 33rd and Dunbar. Grabbing a streetcar or riding their bikes, Patricia and her sister Penny would often go to the end of Dunbar and happily spend their childhood days playing in the UBC Endowment Lands. They had many carefree years as young girls. Patricia went to Point Gray High School, graduated then went on to take a secretarial course after which she started working in Vancouver at BC Equipment Company.
This is where she met and married the love of her life for over 74 years Ed Hartwell, he was a heavy equipment salesman there. They soon bought a small home in Burnaby where they had their first child, Anne. After Anne was born, the couple decided to move to North Vancouver where they had their second child, Jim. Many happy years were spent camping, skiing, golfing, gardening and raising their children there. In the early 70s, Pat got a job at Lionsgate Hospital working as a secretary in the housekeeping department. She loved this job and saved her paychecks so that she could buy property on Salt Spring Island to fulfill a long time dream of hers to live in the Gulf Islands. She and Ed moved to Salt Spring in the late 70s where they built a lovely home and worked very hard to create a beautiful island garden.
After many happy years on Salt Spring, it was decided that a move to Campbell River to be closer to their children would be the next step in their retirement. Here in Campbell River, Pat made many wonderful friends at St Peter's Anglican Church. She joined the ACW group and took great pleasure in meeting her many near and dear friends for coffee and fellowship. She also helped to organize and sew for the annual Christmas Bazaar which was one the highlights of her year.
Pat also loved singing and spent many years of her life in various choirs in Vancouver, Salt Spring and Campbell River. She was a fabulous baker and would always get the kettle going and have fresh cookies for anyone visiting.
She leaves to mourn Ed, Anne (Dave), Jim (Deirdre), grandchildren Chuck, Steve, Hillary, and Colleen and great granddaughter Paige. Pat will be deeply missed by her family.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the wonderful and loving caregivers at Discovery Harbour and her amazing doctor, Dr. VanderVeen for taking such good care of her.
A memorial service at St Peter's Church will be announced at a later date.