Jean Alphonsina Patterson

April 21, 2014

PATTERSON, Jean

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Alphonsina Patterson on Monday, April 21,2014 at the age of 76. Jean passed away after a very long and courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) with her family by her side. Jean was born in Holland on September 25,1937. She was the first born of five children to Alphons and Jannetje de Decker. Jean and her family immigrated to Canada in 1950. The family settled on a farm in Scotsburn, Nova Scotia. Jean made a trip out west to Calgary, Alberta and eventually met the love of her life Bob Patterson whom she married in 1970. Jean and Bob lived on the family farm at Shepard until 1980' and then moved to a farm west of Carstairs until 2010, eventually moving into town due to Jean's illness. She remained in her home until her passing where she was always surrounded by family, loved ones and wonderful caregivers. Jean is survived by her husband, Bob Patterson; three children, Anita (Ken) Etmanski, Cindy (Bill) Sandilands and Eddy (Erika) Patterson; five grandchildren, Gavin and Shiloh Etmanski and Scott, Sade and Sierra Sandilands; three sisters, Celiena (Bob) Mosley, Elly (Don) Harris, and Nancy (Mike) Levy. Jean was also predeceased by her parents and brother Fred de Decker. There will be a Celebration of Jean's Life on at the Carstairs Community Hall on Wednesday, April 30 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to the ALS Society of Alberta, #250, 4723 1 Street SW, Calgary, AB, T2G 4Y8, www.alsab.ca.

Messages of Condolence

Joanne and Colin Henderson offer their sincere condolences with the passing of Jean. We have made a donation to the ALS Society in Jean's memory.

- Colin & Joanne Henderson

We were so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. We will contact you in June when we are in Alberta. Ron and Doris

- Ron and Doris McKoen

To Bob and family, We wish to pass on our condolences and support as you deal with Jean's passing. This has been a difficult journey and the strength of all and of Jean through this devastating illness was nothing short of amazing. Take care and thinking of you. Dr. Greg and Linda Powell

- Greg and Linda Powell

Our thoughts are with your family. Jean was a very kind & thoughtful person during all the years we knew her. Please accept our sympathy & concern for all of you. She is now out of pain & in a better place. We are thankful that we knew her.

- Earl & Alice Mennie & family

Dear family, We read the obituary of Jean. We all feel sad about her passing away so soon after Fred. Offer you all our sincere condolences and many strength for the future. Hope to receive à memory card. In the name of the De Decker family André

- André en Mia de Decker

Dear Bob (and Anita, Cindy, Eddie) You have been in our thoughts - this seems a strange way to try and express our condolences. None the less - what a time you all have had and what an awesome model to follow! I am thinking of Jean's welcome smile and great chicken dinner. Just was reminded of the quote from Alistair MacLeod's book "All of us are better when we're loved." Jean truly loved all of you so you must be better for knowing her love. Mac and Carol

- Mac and Carol Edwards

Dear Bob and all the family of Jean and Bob Patterson. How precious are the thoughts expressed to you at this time. Jean is now at peace and at rest, both which she has earned. She is a rare person, has been a helpmate to Bob through their married life. Both Jean and Bob leave an example for all of us to follow, perseverance, steady as she goes, even in the midst of pain and struggle they maintained a sense of humour, humility and the rare thing called common sense. All their children, grandchildren will benefit from the example of living a life to the fullest by their parents. God has given, God has taken away, Bless be the name of the Lord. A time to live, a time to die.....

- Joan & Henry Spindler

Our deepest condolences on the passing of Jean. Your family are our hearts at this difficult time.

- Karl and Susan Mueller

We are so sorry about the loss of Jean,she was deeply caring,and kind combined with a good sense of humor.We are fortunate to have known her.Our deepest respects,Linda and Gerry

- Gerry and Linda Neumiller

To Bob,Anita,Cindy Eddie and families. So sorry to read about Jean's passing.We have many great memories through 4-H and just want you to know that we would have been at her service but I (Dixie) had a knee surgery. Keep all those happy memories and her wonderful laughter in your hearts.Sincerely,Dixie

- Dixie and Don Hodgson

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