Mary Catherine Patricia "Pat" GLEASON

GLEASON, Mary Catherine Patricia "Pat" (nee Hourigan)
March 15, 1931 – Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
April 14, 2015 – Calgary, Alberta
Mary Catherine Patricia "Pat" Gleason, beloved wife of John of Calgary, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at the age of 84 years. Pat grew up in Moose Jaw, SK and studied in Regina and Saskatoon. She married John James Gleason on August 2, 1958. Pat worked and lived in Saskatoon (1955-1958), Regina (1958-1966), St. Paul, Minnesota (1966-1967), Regina (1967-1968) and Calgary (1968-present). She became a registered nurse at Regina Grey Nuns' Hospital in Regina, SK in 1952. Pat received her diploma in teaching and administration from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, SK in 1955. She worked several years as a registered nurse and nursing instructor, including at Mount Royal College and the Holy Cross Hospital, where she held the positions of Director of the School of Nursing and Director of Education for the hospital (1968-1988). She was Senior Special Assistant to the Government Leader in the Senate (1994-1997), Senior Advisor at the Millennium Bureau (1999-2000) and a Citizenship Judge (2000-2006). Pat was an active member of St. Bonaventure Roman Catholic Parish from its inception. She loved Canada and was dedicated to the country; she also enjoyed and was actively involved in politics. Pat's other passions included her work, family, spending time with her grandchildren, gourmet cooking and entertaining family and friends. Besides her loving husband John, Pat is survived by her children, Mary Gleason (Gaëtan Mercier), Tom Gleason (Kim Gleason) and Cathy Lesyk (Michael Lesyk); ten grandchildren, Catherine, John, Caroline, Jeff, Mark, Sean, Maggie, Jay, Sarah, and Emma; sister Leona Russell; brother Tom Hourigan (Mary Jane); and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents John and Loretto Hourigan; her brothers, Martin (Lil) and Jack (Marge) Hourigan; and her brother-in-law Bernie Russell. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church (1600 Acadia Drive S.E. Calgary, AB) on Monday, April 20, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church (1600 Acadia Drive S.E. Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Pat's family would like to thank the staff at the Beverly Centre Lake Midnapore, South Health Campus, Carewest Glenmore and Rockyview General Hospital, as well as the many friends and family members who supported her through her illness. In living memory of Patricia Gleason, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.