Maureen Patterson

Patterson, Maureen February 23, 1945 November 25, 2007 On Sunday, November 25, 2007, Maureen Gail Patterson of Saskatoon passed away at Toronto General Hospital following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. A Service Celebrating Maureen's Life will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. at Knox United Church, 24th St and Spadina Cres. She is survived by her partner, Pat Johnson; her mother, Dolores Patterson from Lafleche, SK; sister, Linda Reynolds (John) of Vermilion, AB; brother, Cal (Debbie) Patterson of Saskatoon; sister, Kelly Patterson (Jim Morin) of Lumsden, SK; nephews, Michael Reynolds (Andrea Rawas), Ryan Patterson (Elisa Alby), Matthew Reynolds (Stacey), Graeme Patterson; nieces, Stephanie, Rebecca, and Jennifer Morin; as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins. She will be missed not only by her family, but also by the scores of students to whom she taught music, colleagues with whom she taught, and by her wide circle of friends. We will remember Maureen for her passionate approach to life. Her first passion was her connection with friends and family. She loved keeping us bonded together. When her nephews and nieces started arriving, she was very excited. Her influence on them will last for generations to come. In her family and her circle of friends, she would be the one to take the lead in organizing small or large get-togethers. We will miss the phone calls. Maureen's was equally passionate about music and music education. She began her teaching career in Rosetown, taught briefly in Kindersley and Grande Prairie, and ended her career at Walter Murray Collegiate in Saskatoon. As a band director she received many awards and accolades over the years, as did her students. Her dedication to quality music education in the province was reflected in her professional activities with the Saskatchewan Music Educators. When Maureen left the classroom, Star Phoenix writers paid tribute to her in an editorial entitled Special thanks to special teacher. They wrote this: Because of all the time (teachers) spend in the classroom, school teachers rank right up there with parents as influential forces shaping the lives of our children. Happily, the impact they have is usually positive. Sometimes, children who are really fortunate will cross paths with one of the Maureen Pattersons. They are no ordinary school teachers. They are select individuals who have been able to take teaching to a higher level. They make learning an experience; an adventure. They demand the best from their pupils and give the same in return. They don't just teach; they touch the soul. In describing the tribute that was held at a band concert, these same writers had these words: The usual compliments, followed by a standing ovation, said much about (Maureen's) popularity. However, it was the long, lingering hugs and teary eyes from a non-stop lineup of students that really showed just how deeply she had touched their lives. A Memorial Scholarship Fund in Maureen's name will be established and administered by the Saskatchewan Music Educators Association, Box 519, Cudworth, SK, S0K 1B0. The family and music students across the province are grateful for any gift you may wish to make. Cremation. Email condolences may be sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME. 244-5577.