We are gutted to announce the passing of our Mom, Nana, Wife, Sister, Aunt and Friend on November 4, 2025. Born in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Mom grew up “Down the Lake” with her many siblings, cousins, and friends; a place she always carried in her heart no matter where life took her. She loved sharing her hilarious childhood memories.

After marrying her husband, Richard, she embraced military life, living on various bases across the country while raising their two children before returning home to New Victoria in 1987. She had a strong work ethic—from the Tropicana in her early years to serving up meals in military mess halls, and later dedicating many years to Citizenship and Immigration before a well deserved retirement.

Mom was known for her kind and selfless nature, her sharp wit and ability to fill a room with laughter. She loved to cook, travel, and most importantly spend time with her family and playing darts on Friday nights with her friends. Whether it was a trip across the pond, down south or to Cheticamp, she was always the heartbeat of the adventure. Mom was ridiculously hilarious and could turn any gathering into a party. She loved dancing and had a magnetic energy which could be felt in any room. Unapologetically stubborn in all the best ways, she lived life entirely on her own terms—something she proved again and again throughout her illness, astounding doctors and family alike with her strength, resilience, and iron will. As President of the brutally honest squad, you could always count on her for an honest opinion whether you asked for it or not. We loved her for that!

She was passionate about her family and friends, who adored her for her generosity, sarcasm, laughter, and larger-than-life personality. To know her was to love her—and to probably have a good laugh in her company. Her words of wisdom were to work to live not live to work, always live your best life and never worry about what others thought.

She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her husband of 53 years, Richard; son, Paul of New Waterford, NS; daughter, Michelle (Tony) of Houston, TX / Albert Bridge, NS; and her pillar of pride, her grandson who she absolutely fiercely adored, Trey (Lauren) O’Flaherty, Red Deer AB; siblings, Mary(the late Jim) of England, Frankie (Elaine), Marion (Victor), Billy (Patricia), Evelyn (the late Dan), and Lila (Jackie); dear friends, Carol (Gordie), Catherine (Joe), all of New Waterford, NS. 

Patricia will also be greatly missed by the Dumais family in Quebec, her nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. All of whom held a special place in her heart. 

She was predeceased by her parents, Dempsey and Lila (Doyle) Tighe; brothers, Garry (Carol Ann) and John “Diz”; and sisters, Brenda (the late Gerald) and Joanne.

As per Patricia’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no service.

The family would like to thank those who were beside Patricia throughout her illness, supporting her and her family through the most difficult and worrisome times. To those who brought food, conversation and emotional support. We thank you. To all the doctors, nurses and staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, QEII Health Sciences Centre, New Waterford Consolidated Hospital and Cape Breton Cancer Centre - THANK YOU. To Dr. Anne Frances D’Intino and the Earth Angels who work at Hospice Cape Breton - thank you for the outstanding care and compassion you all provided to Mom and every person who walked through those doors. Thank you for giving us those lasting memories during her last months of life. There are no words fitting enough to describe how loved and cared for we all felt, but Mom’s smile told the story. Mom is now in the arms of her Mother, Lila after 60 long years without her.  Rest Easy Mom. We will carry you in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Cape Breton and/or the Cape Breton Cancer Centre. Arrangements have been entrusted to V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford, where online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.