PATTON, Aileen

Aileen Cecilia Patton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Aileen Cecilia Patton (nee Pearson) on the bright & beautiful autumn day of September 4th, 2019, peacefully and surrounded by her family who loved her deeply. She is survived by her husband of fifty-five years, William Wallace; her two children, William Russell (Carolyn) & Joanne (Brent); and four grandchildren whom she loved and was incredibly proud of – Dane, Braunagh, Amelia & Isabella. She was predeceased by her parents August & Ida Persson, sister Esther, and brother Bertil. She is survived by her brothers Donald & John, and sisters-in-law Dorothy & Barbara. Mum was the daughter of Swedish immigrants, and was intensely proud and devoted to them. She leaves many in both Canada & Sweden to mourn her loss. She was born in Lethbridge on July 2nd, 1937 and grew up on her parents’ farm near Park Lake. She always enjoyed helping her mother & father on the farm, and knew how to operate a tractor before she could drive a car (and while her friends were working on their tans at the beach, Mum would get even a better tan driving the tractor in a bikini and sun hat). Life on the farm was idyllic, she enjoyed her horses & dogs, and grew-up in a very happy and warm home. Aileen was a gifted student and graduated Valedictorian from Coalhurst High School. She was also an exceptional athlete, and played basketball and baseball throughout Lethbridge County. Aileen’s sights were set on nursing at an early age, and she graduated from the Galt School of Nursing in 1959 with Distinction. Aileen’s thirty-year nursing career took her from Public Health in Fort Macleod, to the Emergency Department of the Lethbridge Municipal Hospital, the Case Rooms at the Banff Mineral Springs & Calgary Grace Hospitals, the Emergency Department of the Misericordia Hospital, and finally as Nursing Supervisor of the Misericordia Hospital. She always made calm from chaos, was always focused on the holistic needs of her patients, and especially loved caring for children and newborns. It was in the Emergency Department of the Lethbridge Municipal Hospital where she met a tall, handsome Irish RCMP constable who had brought in an injured prisoner for care. Dad took one look at the equally tall, athletic, blue-eyed and auburn-haired Swedish beauty in her white-cap and pressed uniform, and immediately fell in love with her (we never knew what happened to the patient). Dad was welcomed into the family immediately, was always considered a son by her parents, and Bill & Aileen were soon married. Mum followed Dad’s career with the RCMP across Alberta, and they enjoyed postings in Lethbridge, Banff, Calgary, Peace River & Edmonton. Mum created an equally very happy and warm home for her own family, and always loved & supported us. In retirement, Aileen enjoyed her garden, travel with her husband across Canada, baseball (she was always a LA Dodgers fan), her neat & tidy home, her incredible Swedish baking, and most of all, her family that was equally devoted to her and loved her beyond description. We are certain she is now in the arms of the Lord, and has joined her parents and siblings around the kitchen table back at the farm, letting them know of her recent adventures, and sharing in warm laughter with her dog Nettie at her knee. Our family wishes to thank the City of Edmonton Fire Rescue Service; AHS Emergency Medical Services; the staff at the Emergency Department of the Royal Alexandra Hospital for their care and professionalism; and especially, Drs. Ricco & Pretty, and Nurse Lisa for the dignity and compassion they showed Mum. Funeral Services will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 10037-84 Avenue, Edmonton, on Wednesday September 11th at 1:00PM. Memorial donations may be made to the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.