CHARLENE PATRICIA (PAT) McPHERSON

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pat McPherson, 82, loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend to many.
Pat passed away very peacefully, with family and friends at her side, on Tuesday, Oct. 14 2014 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Pat was born Charlene Patricia Walker on Sept. 27, 1932 in Cando, N.D. to John (Sandy) and Genevieve Walker.
After graduating from high school and nurses’ training in Minot, N.D., she moved to International Falls, Mn. She married George Arnold McPherson on Jan. 17, 1953 and moved to Fort Frances.
In March, 1954, she started nursing at La Verendrye Hospital and continued to work on the maternity ward until June, 1994.
She saw the induction of CUPE Local 795, of which she became and was president for many years. In 1990, she was named Labour Person of the Year by the Fort Frances and District Labour Council.
She also was involved in the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Big Bike Ride.
After Pat retired, she organized the annual retired nurses’ supper. This would be held at the Legion Hall, and up to 130 nurses from Fort Frances, Dryden, Emo, Atikokan, and Rainy River would attend.
As a master of ceremony, she would have everyone laughing and enjoying a full evening with nurses who hadn’t seen each other in years.
As a past member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29, Pat was very involved in the annual poppy campaign.
Pat is survived by two sons, Michael McPherson of Fort Frances, Ont. and Patrick McPherson of Edmonton, Alta.; sisters, Jackie Noel and Bell DeVoe, both of Denver, Colo.; and daughter-in-law Wendy McPherson of Yellowknife, N.W.T.
She also is survived by eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews, all of whom she cherished dearly.
She was predeceased by her ex-husband, Arnold McPherson; son. David McPherson; daughter-in-law, Margaret McPherson (Mike); and parents, John (Sandy) and Genevieve Walker.
Prayers will be held Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014 at 7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Fort Frances.
A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, with Fr. Victor De Gagné officiating.
The honourary pallbearers will be Charlene Wood, Bernice Armit, Noreen Gustafson, Lillie Pearson, Fern Douglas, Wendy Derendorf, Gail Devall, Penny Gagne, and Ann-Elizabeth Johnson.