Patricia Power (Symes)

Patricia Power (Symes)

October 29, 1930 to February 17, 2021

On February 17, 2021, Patricia (‘Pat’) Power, age 90, peacefully passed away at Muskoka Shores Community Care, Gravenhurst, Ontario. She was a loving mother to Christine (Cameron) Enders, Martha (Allan) Johnston, and John (Melanie) Power & grandmother to Kristen, Melissa, Ben and Sam. Step-grandmother to Phil, Justin (Holly) as well as, step-great grandmother to Terra.

Patricia was born in Sarnia, Ontario, in 1930, to Lucy and James Symes. Her father passed away when she was 2 years old and her mom passed when she was 14 years old. She went to live with her Aunty Pearl and Uncle John Brown in Burlington. They provided her love, comfort, and wonderful opportunities, including their vacation time in Muskoka, Ontario. They encouraged her to pursue her education and desire to become a nurse.

Patricia was predeceased by her first husband, Hartley G. Holmberg, who passed away in 1965, resulting from an accident, and her second husband, John (Jack) R. Power, who passed away in 2013. Patricia lived in Algonquin Park and Richmond Hill, Ontario, with Hartley, until he passed away. A couple of years later, she married Jack and the family moved to southern New York State. Patricia's nursing career spanned four decades. She worked in many areas of nursing: obstetrics, surgery, The Red Cross, health inspection, geriatrics, and ultimately became the Director of Nursing in a Healthcare Facility. After retiring, Pat and Jack moved to Ramseur, North Carolina and continued to enjoy Muskoka summers, at their cottage on Lake of Bays, with family and friends.

Pat was very social and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, throughout her life. She took great pleasure involving herself in many activities and volunteer projects. Her interests were: agility training dogs, gardening, knitting, sewing, quilting, playing piano, reading, educating herself on food and nutrition, doing crossword puzzles, watching her TV shows (NCIS, HGTV, and movies), and being active in the Anglican Church Community. Pat enjoyed music, concerts, ice hockey, and figure skating. She liked cooking/baking and made the best Sunday dinners for her family. Pat learned computer skills and used her cell phone and texting technology, until 2020. She signed her text messages, “Love, Mom or Grandma”, but later just signed off –’G’. With a nickname like ‘G’, she was forever young at heart. Her family has fond memories of her living aboard the 'C2C' 44-foot trawler, while exploring Lake Nipigon, Beardmore; campfires at the edge of Mary Lake, Port Sydney; and drives along Lake Ontario in Kingston & Prince Edward County.

In October 2020, her family was grateful to be able to celebrate her 90th birthday and her well-lived life. Pat was proud, strong-willed, and brave. She offered her children encouragement and was a ‘cheerleader’ to her grandchildren, whether it be sports, education, or travel adventures. Pat taught her family the importance of having empathy and being kind. She was a survivor. Pat was ‘spirited’, which may be attributed to her red hair!

Pat was many things to many people. She will be forever in our hearts and deeply missed by her family and friends, especially her dear friend of 68 years, June Trayes.

Sincere gratitude is extended to staff and associated resource personnel of Rogers Cove Retirement Home, Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, Muskoka Algonquin Health Care, South, Bracebridge, North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network, and Muskoka Shores Community Care. Thank you to her Muskoka Shores Community Care Physician, Dr. K.V. Dechert and staff for Pat’s ongoing, supportive medical care. This collective, compassionate, collaborative care supported Patricia during the past couple of years. Covid-19 has made the last year so difficult on so many levels. Fortunately, during the pandemic, Muskoka Shores Community Care designated her son as an essential caregiver, which allowed him to visit her face to face, so that they could FaceTime family members, on a regular basis.

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions, a celebration of Patricia’s life will be arranged at a later date.

In Patricia’s memory, the family welcomes donations to Muskoka Algonquin Health Care or a charity of your choice.