Remember her with a smile today. She was not one for tears. Reflect instead on memories of all the happy years. Recall to mind the way she spoke. And all the things she said. Her strength, her stance, the way she walked. Remember these instead. The good advice she’d give us. Her eyes that shone with laughter. So much of her will never die, but live on ever after. As we loved you, so we miss you. In our memory you are near, loved, remembered, longed for always. Bringing many a silent tear...
Patricia Ryan, born and raised on the beautiful island of Newfoundland was the sixth of a total of 12 children (nine of which grew to adulthood) born to James and Elizabeth (Dawson) Ryan. She was full of life, full of laughter, and full of determination. She spoke her mind from a very young age and did so when it wasn't particularly expected "of women." She was ahead of her own generation, was incredibly sharp, and pursued her life with the same vigorous excitement usually reserved for men. She was adored by her family and was a symbol for us of what bold, sexy, daring, and funny — always so funny — was all about. "Patsy" was a woman who wanted to taste the world and try what others might not allow themselves to... We will forever remember her spark, her spunk, and the sound of her voice when surrounded by her sisters, together laughing all night in the kitchen.
Off to see the world, she moved to Montreal at the tender age of 17, fell in love with the handsome James LeGresley of Gaspé, and got married. Over the next few years, they welcomed their first daughter, Debbie, into the world. Working days and nights to make ends meet, Patsy worked her way up to management positions, working in restaurants and hotels, and was at the end of the day, an energy to be noticed and a beauty you would never forget.
She and James welcomed a second daughter, Lilly, six years after Debbie, and eventually left Montreal to settle in Calgary. Her family was everything to her, and as the years went by spending time with her family, siblings as well as children and grandchildren — Kathleen and Amanda — and her many nieces and nephews, was what brought the greatest memories and biggest smiles.
____________________________________________________________________________________
OBITUARY as Published in the Calgary Herald | 7/24/2010 - 7/25/2010
LE GRESLEY, Patricia (née Ryan) March 17, 1936 - July 20, 2010 It is
with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved
Patricia Le Gresley (née Ryan) on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at the age of
74. Patricia is lovingly remembered by her husband of fifty-five years,
James, her children Debbie (and son-in-law Robert) and Lilly, her granddaughters Amanda
Paterson and Kathleen Le Gresley-Daye, and her remaining siblings, including Madeleine Ryan, Elizabeth (Betty) Dion, Harold Ryan, Anne Seguin, Jack Ryan, and Linda Ryan.
Patricia lived a beautiful life
filled with laughter and love. She was a devoted wife, mother and
grandmother who loved her family first and foremost. She was kind and
gentle and all who met her felt blessed to have her friendship. Truly a
woman who made this world a lot brighter. Her generous heart and passion
for life will be missed by all who knew her.
A Memorial Mass will be
held at St. James Catholic Church (5504 - 20 Street S.W.) on Monday,
July 26, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the
Alzheimer Society of Calgary: http://www.alzheimercalgary.com | 403 290 0110 or the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic: http://www.albertabreast.com/tbcc | 403 521 3723
The family
would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Wright, Dr. Loewan, her
home care nurses Ann and Catherine and the wonderful staff at Sarcee
Carewest Hospice. In living memory of Patricia Le Gresley, a tree will
be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY
FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone:
403 243 8200
____________________________________________________________________________________
"When I saw her last year in Calgary, it was as if she had returned to someplace very close to the divine. What was still very much alive in her was the part of her humanity that was attuned to the most simple acts of thoughtfulness, sweetness, and to those more helpless and innocent than ourselves. I saw her tune in to the little dog at my Uncle Harold's, to the children, and to the comments around the table that were associated with love and the experience of love. It was remarkable, actually. She moved with a gentleness and her eyes were filled with kindness. I will never forget it." Suzanne Dion, niece and goddaughter
