Maureen Patterson

Maureen Patterson

Maureen Patterson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Nov. 27 to Dec. 7, 2007.
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 [email protected]. Arrangements have been entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME. 244-5577.

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December 16, 2007

Karen Kowalenko-Evjen Gary Evjen posted to the memorial.

December 13, 2007

Nona (Singh) Gill posted to the memorial.

December 10, 2007

Catherine Haines posted to the memorial.

30 Entries

Karen Kowalenko-Evjen Gary Evjen

December 16, 2007

Gary and I have lost a very dear friend. We are, in a word, devastated. We were so sure she would overcome every obstacle and be with us still. Alas, it was not to be. Our heartfelt condolences especially to Maureen's life partner, Pat, sisters Linda and Kelly and brother, Cal. We also wish to express our great sadness to Maureen's mother, Dolores. There are also many nieces and nephews who loved and absolutely adored their Aunt Maureen and we know they will miss her greatly. She was so proud of all their accomplishments and cheered them on in their career choices. We have one special regret - that Maureen never got to see the show at the Mendel. But, maybe she has?

Nona (Singh) Gill

December 13, 2007

How very sad to hear about Ms Patterson's passing. Although there wasn't any "orchestra" at Walter Murray Collegiate, Ms Patterson encoured me, a violinst, to participate in the band program at WMCI by taking up the enormous string bass. She was instrumental for helping me think and perform "outside of the box" and our band trips through Saskatchewan and B.C. are some of my finest memories from High School. Thank-you Ms Patterson for facilitating such a wonderful experience for so many people.

Catherine Haines

December 10, 2007

I was very sad to hear of Ms. Patterson's passing. What a wonderful and fun teacher she was, but first and foremost she was a woman who encouraged her students to be the best they could be in all facets of their life. She was truly a favourite teacher of mine. For you, Ms. Patterson, I will rat-a-tat-tat.

Jacquie Shinkewski (nee Irvine)

December 10, 2007

How sad it is to lose someone who touched the hearts of so many. I too went to Vienna with the WMCI band. It was the crowning event to many years of instruction and practice. She was the biggest influence during my adolscence and muscial journey from 1976-1983. My favorite experiences were the music festivals in Moose Jaw. She encouraged us as soloists, ensemble players and band members. Every year we had to reach higher and we did. We participated in mass bands combining our group with groups from Swift Current and Moose Jaw. We competed in music festivals as far away as Vancouver returning with the medals that lead to our invitation to the festival in Vienna in 1983.

Most importantly Miss P believed in our abilities when we did not. This was the gift that she shared that touched me so deeply. I will hold forever the memories of seeing her at the back of an auditorium when I finished performing. Good performance or bad she was always there with a hug.

Pat, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Greg Singer

December 10, 2007

Ms. Patterson (even in adulthood, I wouldn't dare call her anything else) was my music teacher throughout my years at WMCI. She had a wonderfully zany sense of humour that always made those early-morning band practices bearable. I'm very sorry to hear that she has passed away.

Michelle (Matheson) Gowans

December 10, 2007

So sorry to hear of Maureen's passing. She was a special teacher and will be greatly missed.

Priscilla Segaert (Longworth)

December 8, 2007

I grew up in the same small community of Woodrow that Maureen grew up in. I would like to send deepest condolences to all Maureen's family. I remember her playing taps at all the Rememberence Day services that we had at Woodrow, also at Camp Woodboia. We also were in the church choir that her mom played for and conducted, and I am sure she learned her love of music thru her Mom & Dad
Sending our love and prayers from
the Longworth family

Dennis Deminchuk

December 8, 2007

Maureen had been musical director for past productions of Saskatoon Summer Players. The one that I remember most vividly was DAMN YANKEES (1986). The chorus fell in love with Maureen and she, with us. Condolences from all of us at Saskatoon Summer Players.

Elaine Crawford (nee Olson)

December 8, 2007

My deepest condolences to Maureen's family on her passing. She was far too young. Maureen was an inspiration to us all - what a great model to have as I entered the BMus. Ed. program in Saskatoon just as Maureen was teaching in Rosetown. Those of us in the earliest years of BMus. Ed program at the U of S were priviledged to spend time with her - talking, playing, listening to Maureen play, watching her handle a band class - just to name a few areas. Those trips out to Rosetown were lots of fun in addition to a real learning opportunity. We had some wonderful times together. The energy Maureen put into everything she did plus her encouragement of others - "of course you can do it!" were what I remember most. Thinking back all those years to when I had contact with Maureen, I can only believe that she would have lived every day to her max. She will be dearly missed.
Elaine

Corinne Olson

December 7, 2007

I was saddened to hear of Maureen Patterson's death last week. I was fortunate enough to student teach with her at Walter Murray Collegiate in 1983. As one of the few women band directors at the time she became a role model to myself. Her passion for music, music education, and her ability to remember all of us and treat each person as special are all things that have affected me and many hundreds of others in this community of music educators in our country. She will be missed, but her legacy will live on. Condolences to her family and friends in this time of grief.

Gary Gullickson

December 7, 2007

I feel a tremendous loss of a dear friend and a teaching colleague. Maureen and I worked together as a "team" at walter Murray Collegiate from 1973 to 1980 where our bands and choirs excelled, largely due to her musicianship, exceptional teaching skills and passion for music. Maureen's legacy will be felt for generations to come.

Paul Kishchuk

December 7, 2007

Maureen Patterson was for me (and still is in memory) a wellspring of trust, inspiration and patience. Not only was I lucky enough to be one of her band students, I was among the very fortunate to travel to Vienna in 1983. Miss P. knew that there are no shortcuts, that only dedication and many, many hours of rehearsals would bring the band to where she wanted it to be. Tough thing was, the players kept changing every year. She had the extraordinary vision to see that it would be a long, long journey that had to start by quietly nurturing players in the WMCI feeder schools. If Miss P. had been a football coach, she would have won the Grey Cup. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones.

Rob Spooner

December 6, 2007

I remember fondly a class when we, the unruly mob the WMCI band could sometimes be, fell in line under Moe's direction. I forget what the piece was, but for some reason the planets aligned and we created briefly not just a good, but a perfect chord- the look that swept across Maureen's face was one of absolute bliss.
That one instant summed up both her joy of teaching music and of the music itself. I remember that moment and many others fondly. Even if she couldn't improve my trombone playing skills, she certainly enhanced the appreciation of music I have today. I'll miss you Moe. My thoughts are with you and your family

Ben Schenstead

December 5, 2007

I was saddened to learn of Maureen's passing. When I became acquainted with her, she was teaching at Walter Murray and running a large music/band program there. As a musician and a guitar teacher, I had great respect for Maureen and her role as a music educator in the school system. My condolences to her family, and to Cal and Debbie.

Christina (Tina) Neudorf (nee Patterson)

December 5, 2007

Maureen was my cousin and I know she will be missed. She was loved by many people and was a gift to all who knew her. I am unable to make it to her service but want her family and friends, and her dear friend Pat, to know they are in my thoughts and prayers that God will comfort them as they grieve the loss of such a special person, but also that God will bless them with joy as they focus on the special memories they have of Maureen. Take care & God bless!

Michelle (Shelly) Coghlin (nee Bidwell)

December 5, 2007

I was very sad to hear that Ms. P. had passed away. She was my band teacher at W.M.C.I. from '84-'88. I was just thinking about her a couple of weeks ago but I wasn't sure why. She was an amazing teacher, full of vigor and passion for music. She was the first one to encourage me to sing- something I could now not live without. My deepest sympathy to her family, friends and all those who were touched by or shared in her passion.

Mickey Cameron

December 5, 2007

I was stunned to hear of Moe's passing. I send my most heartfelt condolences to Pat and to Dolores, and to her family and friends.I first met her at Tri-state in 1969, and had the honour of teaching some of her Rosetown students at Dickinson. She became my muse who challenged me to become a better teacher, but I failed to keep up to her passion for her students, and her ongoing quest to share music and life with them. Perhaps Music was our strongest bond.She left us all better and more complete people than we were before we knew her. She will always be my muse.

Sheila Mann

December 5, 2007

It was with sadness that I received the news of Miss P's death. She was an incredible inspiration and talented teacher, and eventually, a friend. Through high school band (WMCI 1979-82) including competitions at home and afar, massed bands and any music project she could assemble, Miss P drew talent out of us that I’m sure no one else thought possible. I was one of the fortunate ones who was able to participate under her direction in Vienna. I affectionately recall those times and my experiences shaped by her guiding and caring influence. She knew how to, if you let her, reach out and touch your soul.

I extend my sympathy to Pat, and all of her family. She does and will always remain with me in fond memories.

Sheila Mann, Euphonium (first chair. Admittedly, there’s almost only ever one euphonium…)

Diana Milenkovic

December 3, 2007

Dear Maureen had such tremendous influence and connection to so many students, colleagues and friends. Although I was a late comer to the band scene, she truly inspired me and gave me tremendous support. Pat, as her soulmate, we know you will dearly miss her as will we all.

Kevin Richardson

December 2, 2007

The world has lost an amazing person. Ms. Patterson was my band teacher from 1994-1997 at Walter Murray Collegiate. She had a huge impact on my musical development and I can never thank her enough for the motivation and guidance she provided.

Sue Ann Abbott (née Hipkin)

December 2, 2007

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to family and friends of Miss Maureen Patterson who was my music, band and choir teacher back in Rosetown Composite High School from 1969 to 1972. She was a great teacher, always encouraging her students to find their strengths and improve their musical ability, always caring about us and interested in what we were doing. She was fun-loving and I still recall her smile and laugh. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Peter Demos

December 2, 2007

How deeply saddened I was to receive word of Maureen's passing. All Saskatchewan and its good people became richer in life's rewards knowing and working with her. I will always remember her as A First Class, Person, Musican and Friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to Pat and her family.
With the fondness memories, I am,
Sincerely,
Peter J. Demos

Megan McDougald

December 2, 2007

I too am saddened to hear of Miss P's passing. She was one of my first music teachers and it was because of her that I ended up playing the clarinet (I had my heart set on the flute or the trumpet!). But, as usual, she was right and my trusty old clarinet became a dear companion throughout high school at Walter Murray, and especially on the amazing Vienna Band trip in 1983 when our little band from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan came in 3rd in the world! The last time I saw Miss P, it was at my high school reunion a few years ago and we talked about planning a 25 year Vienna Band reunion for 2008. Sadly, it just wouldn't be the same without her there.
Miss P, you influenced my life in so many different ways and I look back fondly on my time playing in the band under your direction. You taught me so much more than just a lifelong love of music, you showed me how to set my sights high and persevere when the going was rough.
And, best of all, I know that you truly cared for each and every one of your "kids". I can only hope that my own children will be as lucky and have a teacher who cares so much influence their young lives too.

Our love and thoughts are with your family and friends during this sad time.
Megan, Erwin, Bryn, Ellis, Thea

Lori (Popoff) Wacker

December 2, 2007

I was sad to learn of Ms. Patterson's passing. Condolences to her family and friends. I was a band and choir student of hers at Walter Murray from 1981-85 and played clarinet in the band on the legendary trip to Vienna. She was a positive role model in my life and I will never forget her influence on my musical career.

Dave Staples

December 1, 2007

It's with real sadness and regret that I respond here to the news of Maureen's death. I was really there "at the beginning" as a student of Maureen's back in Rosetown, SK from 1969 to 1972 and took great inspiration from her in my own pursuits of music as a performer and educator. After graduating from U of S with a Mus. Ed degree, I was lucky enough to work with Maureen as a teacher at Walter Murray from 1977 to 1981 and always admired her skill and drive and most of all, her friendship. We have stayed in touch over the years and she was always complimentary of my own career and interested in my life as a musician.
I will dearly miss her and I send my deepest sympathies to Pat and all of Maureen's family at this difficult time. God Bless You, Moe.

Shannon Berko (nee Peterson)

December 1, 2007

I'm very sad to hear about Ms. P's passing. I have lots of "fun" memories of her teachings, and our trip to Vienna in 1983. She was a great teacher and musician. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Mary Ann Therrien (nee Wegren)

November 29, 2007

I am very sad to hear of the passing Ms. Patterson. She taught me band and choir at Walter Murray from 1982 - 1986. I had the honour of playing piano for her while she conducted choral, swing choir and swing band. She challenged me to try different instruments and music styles as well as encouraged my interest in teaching music. I have fondly thought of Ms Patterson over the years. My prayers go out to her family and friends.

Maria Trakadas

November 29, 2007

I am deeply sorry to the family with the passing of Ms. Patterson.
I was privelged enough to have her as my music teacher in my 4 years at Walter Murray. She was passionate about music and it made her an exceptional band instructor.
I have very fond memories of her. She was one of a kind.
My deepest sympathy to her family.
She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

Don Richardson

November 28, 2007

This is truly a tragic loss.

Although I was not a musician myself I was very fortunate to have been close to Saskatoon's music community through my marriage to Judy Humenick and honoured to know Maureen. She was a first class person and I wish to express my very sincere condolences to her partner of so many years and her family at this difficult time. You can be certain Maureen will live on in the hearts of all of those who came to know and appreciate her.

Lenore Streicker

November 28, 2007

I have such special memories of Maureen. She taught trombone to our son John, was my co-worker at Walter Murray, and became a friend to us both - always warrm-hearted, honest and straight forward. What more could one ask in a friend?

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Not sure what to say?

December 16, 2007

Karen Kowalenko-Evjen Gary Evjen posted to the memorial.

December 13, 2007

Nona (Singh) Gill posted to the memorial.

December 10, 2007

Catherine Haines posted to the memorial.