Obituary of Patricia Grace Despard

Patricia Grace Despard (nee Brewer-Weeks) formerly of London, England and Toronto, Ontario fought with sheer determination and unwavering willpower to continue in her 83rd year, had to finally concede that the battle was lost on January 17th, 2012. It was probably living in England during the Blitz as a child and then joining the British Navy when she was 18 that gave her this determination and iron will. Left behind after the battle are her daughters Dr. Caroline Despard and her friend Noel Sheehy, Melanie Kearney and her friend Charles Farrell, Samantha Despard and also her unwitting adopted daughter Heather Larsen. She is also survived by her brother in England Michael Weeks and her God-daughter Kelly McKeown in Mississauga. Also on this life journey with her are her grandchildren Genevieve Bartlett and her husband Jimmy, Sarah Jane Despard-Young and her friend Aiden Campbell, Alexandra Vossen and her husband Justin, Tristan Despard-Young, James Green, Luke Despard-Young and Rebekah Despard-Young. As well there are four great-grandchildren that she was absolutely not old enough for. They are Zachary Bartlett, Shannon (Gracie) Bartlett, Siobhan Green-Vossen and Keyghan Bartlett. She will be joining her husband Arthur Despard passed away January 13th, 2006, her son-in-law David Kearney passed away January 14th, 2010 and her grandson William Green passed away October 29th, 1989. Pat was known for her lovely roses and her wildflower gardens, and her passion for orchids. She also spent many hours arguing on several different boards and committees, but mostly her tireless work for the rights of people with special needs. While residing in Thorncrest Village, she took on the task of writing the newsletter for the community and helped on many committees and social events over the 48 years that she resided there. All of the family would like to thank the many support workers and nurses, but especially Meagan, Stella and Marina. And another heartfelt thank-you to Gary, Daniel and Melanie Larsen for the patience and understanding at the loss of their wife and mother to anything and everything that needed to be done and still needs to be done. There is no way of conveying how truly grateful we are for the entire family. Friends will be received at Logan Funeral Home, 371 Dundas St. (between Waterloo and Colborne St.) on Friday, January 20th, 2012 from 3 – 5 and 7 – 9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at St. George Roman Catholic Church, 1164 Commissioners Road W. on Saturday, January 21st, 2012 at 10 a.m. with Father Peter Amszej officiating. Interment Woodland Cemetery. Prayers will be held Friday evening in the chapel at 7 p.m. We ask that in lieu of flowers, a donation could be made in her name to St. Peter’s Seminary or The Thames Valley Children’s Centre, because she knew that God would forgive her, but children drove her crazy. Online condolences www.loganfh.ca A tree will be planted as a living memorial to Patricia Despard. Services: Service Date Saturday, January 21, 2012