Patricia McLeod MITCHELL

MITCHELL, Patricia McLeod Patricia McLeod Mitchell died on Friday, July 15, 2022, at age 94, in North Vancouver. Born and raised in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Pat earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh. She began her long teaching career in Scotland and East London, where she shared a two-room flat with her dear friend Jean McIntyre. The two of them agreed to switch the kitchen side to the bedroom side every six months to avoid argument. Pat emigrated to Canada in 1958. She taught in West Vancouver and Kelowna but gave most of her career to North Vancouver. At first, Pat was a classroom teacher and later a librarian. The library suited Pat's orderly nature, and her insight into books and learning was an ongoing asset to the school libraries where she worked. After a year of further training, Pat ended her career teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). There are many photos of Pat smiling along with a class of happy ESL students, and it's clear that she loved this stage of her career. Pat travelled whenever school wasn't in session, and usually with the intention of learning more about weaving, pottery, painting, and art. Often she was intent on seeing and understanding ancient methods of work, some of which were and are disappearing. Her home was an orderly and warm place. Everything in it reflected her appreciation of and commitment to skilled handwork and creativity. Pat was a gifted weaver and painter in her own right, but she was also able to uncover the talents of others. She was always ready to support learning and personal growth. As a mentor and friend, her discipline, attention to detail, and patience were both demanding and inspiring. From 1990 to 2002, Pat volunteered at the N. Shore Women's Resource Centre, N. Shore Continuing Education, N. Shore Community Services, and N. Shore Senior Peer Counselling. Pat made good and loyal friends wherever she worked and in whatever organization she was involved with. Her interest in the families of her friends was thoughtful and genuine. Her informed commentaries on weaving techniques, pottery, First Nations basketry, the books she read, and her life experiences will all be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. Pat loved the animal world, especially her cats and her dogs. One of her last wishes was to feel a dog's hair as she died, and a little Scottish terrier granted that wish. Pat's friends will gather to remember her extraordinary life on a date to be announced.