GRONA

Patricia Lynn Grona passed away on Thursday, September 13, 2012, at the age of 46 years, beloved wife of David Grona and mother of Davis both of Medicine Hat. She also leaves to cherish her memory her parents, Sharon and Nick Shynkaruk; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Rick Grona of Airdrie, Janice Picard of New Maryland, New Brunswick, Gerald Grona of Spruce Grove, Gladys (Kas) Glowacki, of Carstairs, Audrey (Daryl) Veasey of Maple Ridge, B.C., Gary (Bernice) Grona of Medicine Hat and Johnny (Char) Grona of Strathmore; her mother-in-law, Adeline Grona of Medicine Hat; sister-in-law, Margie Shynkaruk of Keller, Texas; her close nieces and nephews, Serina and Morgan Grona and Dakota Grona all of Medicine Hat; Brendon and Colby Shynkaruk of Langham, Saskatchewan as well as many more nieces and nephews and numerous friends. She was predeceased by her father-in-law, John Grona and her brother, Steve Shynkaruk whom she missed dearly; and her maternal grandparents, Ruth and Andy Machan as well as many aunts and uncles. Patti began her life March 11, 1966. She made a hurried entrance and never slowed down. She attended elementary school at Walter Aseltine School, Junior High School where she participated in volleyball and basketball which surprised everyone since she was vertically challenged. Then on to Rosetown Composite High School,where she belonged to the Student Rep Council graduating on May 25, l984. She also attended brownies and explorers in her younger years. She then attended Kelsey Institute (now SIAST) completing her Licensed Pratical Nurse graduating June 20, 1985. Not being able to find work in Saskachewan she migrated west to Alberta, where she found work in Medicine Hat firstly at Central Park Lodge and then moved on to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital working on 2 North. She then transferred to the Seniors Services Day Hospital Program. Patti enjoyed putting together the goodie bags and crafts for Mrs. Schiork’s Grade 2 River Heights Elementary school class visits with the clients. Patti faced her first real challenge when she was diagnosed with diabetes in her twenties. She fought it at first but generally accepted that it would be her personal battle for the rest of her life. Patti was looking forward to getting an insulin pump to improve her quality of life. Patti had charm and a great sense of humor, especially when she was laughing at herself, winning the hearts of everyone around her. Patti treasured shopping, especially for that next pair of shoes. As a friend, she was always available by phone or texting. She loved taking pictures, no event, family or friend get together ever escaped her camera. It was in Medicine Hat that she met the man of her life, David Grona, quite incidentally at first but they finally made a lasting connection. They married on November 19, 1991 in Jamaica. Her diabetes proved to be a challenge in another direction ……family. No problem! Adopt and so they did. Santa brought a wonderful little baby boy, Davis, on Christmas Day in 1999. Yes Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus! Davis became their number one priority. Patti did not take being a mother lightly, she dove right in! Davis` life has been documented and photographed from every angle. She worked hard at being the best mother she could be. She always considered Davis` school chums, teachers and principals whenever making plans for special days in his school life. Patti never did anything half way. But she always saved her best for her family. She will be missed! The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Medicine Hat and District Branch 102 73 7th Street SE, Medicine Hat. T1A 1J2 or to the S.P.C.A. – 55 Southwest Drive SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E8. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Patricia Grona, or you may visit www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca and leave a message of condolence. Funeral Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2