Patricia Millicent Mitchell (nee Orr)
November 24th, 1925- September 3, 2013
Born in the mountain air of the Canadian Rockies to parents David Orr of Newcastle, England and Mabel McLennan of Bedek, Cape Breton Island.
Our young mother loved nature – especially the mountains surrounding her town of Revelstoke. She enjoyed hiking, downhill skiing, and also fly-fishing.
“Patsy” was the middle child of her family which included: Leonard, Clifford, Maureen and Beverley. Hospitality and cooking became a constant thread throughout her life. In the Depression years, her parents invited hoboes from the railway into their home to share soup. In 1946, Patricia met her husband Howard Mitchell, a young W.W. II soldier, at a dance at the Errington War Memorial Hall. They were married at St. Stephen’s church at Qualicum Beach and began their marriage in “Little Qualicum” on her parents’ farm. Moving down island in the early ‘50’s, Patricia and Howard raised their seven children in Victoria. She worked hard, expecting her children to work hard with her, having incredible stamina and energy. She loved design, and was an avid gardener at our home called “Hi Lily”. Our lovely gardens became a living expression of her art. She also enjoyed anything theatrical and hosted grand costume parties on the lawns of our home. In the mid ‘70s, she convinced our father to buy her a restaurant in Sidney where she ran a successful English Tearoom.
At age 56, Patricia lost her beloved Howard and began a solo journey of 31 years, living alone in both Qualicum and Nanaimo. During these years, her children and grand-children were living in various places within Canada and away from Vancouver Island.
Mom was an artist who inspired us all to engage in anything musical or expressive. All of her children & grand-children have talents, interests, and careers in music, dance, and the fine arts. Not surprisingly, there is a group of jolly gardeners too!
Patricia is survived by her seven children and their spouses; Candice, David (Brenda), John, Patricia “Gay”(Mark), April (David), Laurie (Luke), Holly (David) & eleven grandchildren; Courtney, Robyn, Robert, Lynnfield, Jessica, James, Rachael, Iain, Erika, Elizabeth “Clare”, Christina & 2 great-grand-daughters! Edda and Grace.
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains, from whence cometh my help.”