Patricia Vervoort

It is with profound sadness the family of Patricia Vervoort announce her peaceful passing, surrounded by love, on May 8, 2013. Born in Boston Massachusetts on March 26, 1942 to James and Frances Mulcahy, Patricia grew up in the beautiful town of Hingham, located on the Boston harbour. Earning a scholarship to St. Mary's College in Indiana, Patricia graduated with a Bachelors Degree in English and Art History (1963), and went on to the University of Iowa where she earned her Masters in Art History, along with her Teacher's Certificate (1966), and a Masters in Library Science (1970). While studying in Iowa she met and fell in love with Gerardus (Gerry) Vervoort. The two were married on December 23, 1965. They continued to live and study in Iowa until 1970, when they moved to Thunder Bay, where Gerry had accepted a professorship at Lakehead University. In December 1970 Patricia and Gerry welcomed their first daughter, Marike, who was followed by daughter Amy in May 1973. Patricia served as Art Historian at Lakehead University from 1975 to her retirement in 2006. She was instrumental in helping to create the Department of Visual Arts, serving as Chair of the Department from 1990 to 1996. In developing and teaching most of the compulsory art history courses, her central project was not only to ensure that students graduating from the program were aware of the history of art, but also became as good writers as they were artists. She contributed to her discipline through presenting research papers at conferences in Europe and North America, editing and contributing chapters to books, and publishing her research in academic journals. Through her many years of work with LACAC (Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee), Patricia joined her academic knowledge with her passion for the preservation of landmark buildings. In 1995 she received the Allied Arts Award from the Ontario Association of Architects, presented to a person whose vocation has enhanced the profession of architecture. Patricia was an avid traveler, adventurous and curious. She explored the world through art and architecture, never missing an opportunity to learn more of the history each place offered. Among her many great accomplishments Patricia was most proud to be Nana to her three grandchildren; Hannah (her travel companion), Nathan (her Jeopardy & Scrabble buddy), and Rachel (her crafty one), and was excitedly awaiting the birth of "Junior." In spite of her objections to cold arenas, Patricia cheered on all three grandchildren at their hockey games in both Thunder Bay and Stouffville, ON. She instilled her passion for travel, art, and education in her grandchildren, who will carry on with all she loved in fond memory. Predeceased by beloved husband Gerry in 1998, Patricia is survived by daughters Marike (Ken Wilson), Amy (Rohan Millar), grandchildren Hannah Vervoort, Nathan and Rachel Wilson, and Baby Millar expected in September 2013. Also left to mourn are siblings David, Carole, and Mary-Beth; in-laws Will, Coby, Tini, John, and Paul, as well as numerous extended family and nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by many dear friends and colleagues. She enjoyed so much the weekly dinners and Friday "lunch bunch", trivia team, the annual "fishing trip", book group, Taiji, all of which meant so much to her. In honour of Patricia's memory, there will be a Celebration of Life held at the Avila Chapel at 1:00 PM on Monday, May 13, 2013. As per Patricia's wishes, cremation has taken place with a private family interment to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Patricia Vervoort may be made to the TBRHSC Northern Cancer Fund, St. Joseph's Hospice, or the Shelter House.Death leaves a heartacheno one can heal, Love leaves a memoryno one can steal. On-line condolencesmay be made through www.nwfainc.com "