Patricia Joyce GORDON

PATRICIA JOYCE GORDON Patricia (Pat) Joyce Gordon (nee Clayton) passed away peacefully in Newmarket, Ontario on January 19, 2023 at the age of 86, after a long battle with dementia. Pat was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where her quest for adventure and love of movies cultivated a desire to see what the world had to offer. Pat graduated with a BA from the University of Manitoba (United College) and gained experience as a journalist with the Winnipeg Free Press. Pat then moved to England, where for two years she worked in London as a supply teacher and explored France, Italy, and Spain on her holidays. She returned to the Free Press and wrote a popular series on flying while earning her pilot's license. In 1961 she continued her travels in Europe by train through Poland, Russia, Ukraine and Germany. That same year, she met John, who was also a Free Press reporter and they married in 1963. Soon after the couple embarked on a life together centered around John's work in international aid and development. The couple first lived in Ottawa where Karen was born and then moved to Zomba, Malawi, where Eric was born. Between 1968 and 1984 the family lived in England, Tanzania, Switzerland, Liberia and Swaziland. In 1984 the couple moved to New York City where Pat was Assistant Director of a programme at the East Side Community Center assisting the families of foreign UN and embassy staff to adjust to life in the United States. In 1990, the couple moved to Fergus, Ontario, where Pat volunteered for almost 15 years as a Patient Representative at the Homewood Health Centre in Guelph. The couple then returned to Ottawa in 2009 where Pat enjoyed participating in a play-reading group until the outbreak of the pandemic. A last move to Newmarket occurred in 2022, to be closer to family. Pat is lovingly remembered by John, her husband of 59 years; daughter, Karen (Rob Kesteris); son, Eric (Petra); granddaughter, Nicole (Michael Markovic); grandsons, Ryan Kesteris, Liam and Jack Gordon; and great-grandsons, Nolan and Nate Markovic. Special thanks to the amazing nurses, staff, and volunteers at the Margaret Bahen Hospice and Mackenzie Long Term Care Home. As per Pat's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. For those who wish, donations in Pat's name can be made to the Margaret Bahen Hospice in Newmarket at myhospice.ca/donate/