Obituary for Patricia Anne Maxwell-Smith
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Patricia Maxwell-Smith nee McLennan, on November 13, 2023. Pat died peacefully at home surrounded by her five children. Married on April 23, 1957, Pat was predeceased by her loving husband, Ian Maxwell-Smith. They were married for 63 wonderful years. Pat was a loving mother to Trish (Graham Marrion), Robyn (Terry Jessup), Sue (Rich Thornley), Michael (Eliner), and Sarah (Darren Jegodtka). Pat found great joy in her nine grandchildren, Kristina, Jessica, Thomas, Sam, Stephanie, Mie, Leigh, Nicole, and Cristian and in her three great-grandchildren Lucy, Logan, and Sage.
Born in Vancouver at St. Paul’s Hospital on June 15, 1931. Pat grew up in Vancouver. She was predeceased by her sister, Glen Payne, and by her parents Myrtle and Logan McLennan.
Pat graduated from York House in Vancouver and went on to graduate from UBC with a Bachelor of Arts. After working at a Gamma Phi Beta camp for children she knew she had found her calling. She attended Normal School for teacher training and started her teaching career teaching Grade 2 at Stride Elementary School in Burnaby. After a lengthy break to raise five busy children, Pat attended night school to upgrade her credentials in order to work with students with learning challenges. She enjoyed an extremely successful career as a Learning Assistance Teacher working at Glenmore, Lions Bay, and Hollyburn Elementary Schools in West Vancouver.
Pat loved teaching children and adults and her hobbies included gardening, tennis, playing the piano, baking bread, stitchery, and quilting. She loved music and attending the Vancouver Symphony was always a special occasion. Pat was generous with her time volunteering with new Canadians learning English, and at St. Mary’s in Nanoose Bay keeping the garden tidy and the altar beautiful.
An avid traveller, Pat started from a young age when her family travelled by ocean liner to Tasmania. After retiring she and Ian travelled widely which included exploring the coast of BC on their own yacht.
Pat was famous for being exceptionally sweet, kind, and soft spoken. She will be forever loved and forever missed. As per Pat’s request the family will not be hosting a service or celebration of life. In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to your favourite charity.
Born in Vancouver at St. Paul’s Hospital on June 15, 1931. Pat grew up in Vancouver. She was predeceased by her sister, Glen Payne, and by her parents Myrtle and Logan McLennan.
Pat graduated from York House in Vancouver and went on to graduate from UBC with a Bachelor of Arts. After working at a Gamma Phi Beta camp for children she knew she had found her calling. She attended Normal School for teacher training and started her teaching career teaching Grade 2 at Stride Elementary School in Burnaby. After a lengthy break to raise five busy children, Pat attended night school to upgrade her credentials in order to work with students with learning challenges. She enjoyed an extremely successful career as a Learning Assistance Teacher working at Glenmore, Lions Bay, and Hollyburn Elementary Schools in West Vancouver.
Pat loved teaching children and adults and her hobbies included gardening, tennis, playing the piano, baking bread, stitchery, and quilting. She loved music and attending the Vancouver Symphony was always a special occasion. Pat was generous with her time volunteering with new Canadians learning English, and at St. Mary’s in Nanoose Bay keeping the garden tidy and the altar beautiful.
An avid traveller, Pat started from a young age when her family travelled by ocean liner to Tasmania. After retiring she and Ian travelled widely which included exploring the coast of BC on their own yacht.
Pat was famous for being exceptionally sweet, kind, and soft spoken. She will be forever loved and forever missed. As per Pat’s request the family will not be hosting a service or celebration of life. In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to your favourite charity.