PATRICIA LEWIS

(née Gollat)
Patricia Lewis (née Gollat), born November 27, 1956, to Thomas Gollat and Cecilia (later Pero), passed away peacefully at the age of 69 on Friday, February 27, 2026, surrounded by family, following a six-year battle with cancer.

It is difficult to capture in words a life that touched so many. Patti had a rare gift for putting people immediately at ease. She was kind, compassionate, and wonderfully quirky, with a smile that brightened every room.

At 16, Patti was walking down the street in a winter coat and boots in the middle of summer when Larry Lewis first noticed her. He fell in love on the spot. They married in 1978 and built a life grounded in love and devotion. To Larry, she was always his "Sweet Pea." They welcomed three children who were the heart of Patti's life, and she devoted herself fully to protecting and loving them. Later, Patti returned to Lakehead University to earn her degree in Social Work, but she repeatedly set aside professional ambitions to be fully present for her family.

Among Patti's happiest memories were summers at Arrow Lake, where her family and her sister Kathy's family would rent neighbouring cabins each year. On sunny days, Patti and Kathy shared a beloved tradition called "rock days," heading out to a small island with coolers in tow to float, talk, and laugh for hours. On rainy afternoons, the black-and-white television would come out, and "Spaceballs" would play on repeat, its lines becoming family classics quoted for years.

Patti was one of the strongest people you could ever meet. She endured more than her share of hardships, far beyond her cancer, yet never let it diminish her kindness. Even in pain, she found ways to lift others. She often downplayed her own suffering, believing others had it worse. When the moment grew heavy, she would stick out her tongue and make a goofy face to break the tension - even then, still taking care of everyone else.

Patti is survived by her beloved husband, Larry Lewis; her son Rob (Jinny) and granddaughter Emma; her daughter Sarah and grandchildren Abby and Aiden; and her daughter Meghan (Josh) and grandsons Pearce and Leander. She is also survived by her sisters Anne Marie (John) and Cathy; her brother Tommy (Kathy); her stepfather Ron and his family; and her many cherished nieces and nephews. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses at Bayshore, the team at TBRHSC Cancer Care, Dr. DelPaggio, the staff at St. Joseph's Hospital, and the palliative care nurses who provided comfort and dignity in her final days.

As per Patti's wishes, in lieu of a funeral, a Celebration of Life will be held in early summer.

Patti's legacy is one of generosity, humour, strength, and unwavering love. We will carry her light with us always.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com