Obituary of Patricia "Pat" Ellen Curry, Glace Bay

It is with great sadness that we the family of Patricia Ellen Curry announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, and sister after a brief illness. Mom died on Friday, October 9, 2020 in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit surrounded by her family. Born in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of the late Duncan and Ethelyn Curry of Port Morien. Mom attended Mount St. Vincent University, Halifax where she graduated with her teaching certificate. She then went on to teach at various schools in Cape Breton; ending her career at St. Anthony’s, Glace Bay. Mom was at the heart of the inclusion of children with disabilities in child care. She was there at the beginning as Town Daycare became a model of inclusion for all of Canada. When the Town Daycare Centre opened in the mid 1970’s, children with disabilities did not attend regular school classes. She knew inclusion was the right thing to do and was prepared to do whatever it took to make it work. She believed that all children should have a successful place at town Daycare Centre. Mom was a devoted member of St. Anne’s Church where she was the President of the Catholic Women’s League, sang in the Ladies Choir, was a member of the liturgical committee, and a devoted volunteer to all church programs. Mom enjoyed spending time in her garden, hunting for treasures during her many trips to thrift shops across the province, and solving many a crossword and cryptoquote . Mom loved spending time with her family and most importantly her grandchildren. She is survived by 3 daughters, Danielle (John Wilson), Elmsdale, Patricia Anne (Joe LeClair), Dartmouth, and Elizabeth, Glace Bay; her 4 grandchildren who were her world, Sarah (Jonathan), Ian (Michaela), Patrick (Vanessa), and Amanda. She is also survived by her brother, Norman (Lois) Curry, Dartmouth, along with their children; Sean, Carrie Ann, Jeffery, and their families. She was predeceased by her parents and the father of her children, William D. “ Billy A.N.” MacDonald. Visitation will be held at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay on Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 pm. The funeral mass, officiated by Fr. Duaine Devereaux, will be celebrated on Thursday, October15th at 10 am in St. Anne’s Church, Glace Bay with burial to follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Black Brook. At this time we would like to express our gratitude for the care she received from the doctors and nurses at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit and to family and friends who were so thoughtful during this difficult time. Mom enjoyed her Friday nights playing games with the girls, including her good friend Peggy MacVicar, at Chase the Ace to help fundraise for the parish. In honouring Patricia, memorial donations may be made to St. Anne’s roof fund, or a charity of your choice. E-transfers to “Raise the Roof” may be sent to stleostjohn_1@hotmail.com. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca DUE TO SEATING RESTRICTIONS, WE ASK THAT EVERYONE REMAIN IN THEIR CARS IN THE CHURCH PARKING LOT UNTIL THE FAMILY ARRIVE AND ARE SEATED. MASKS ARE ALSO MANDATORY. THANK YOU.