Obituary of Patricia PALLESEN

Pat left us peacefully at home, at the age of 63 years, after a long journey through Alzheimer’s dementia. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 32 years, David W. Smith, son Timothy and daughter Jennifer (Mike Jaska), her sister Donna Howell (Gordon) of Toronto and sister-in-law Sheila Goldie and nephew John Goldie of Toronto. She was predeceased by her parents Stan and Jean Pallesen. Pat grew up in Calgary and graduated from the University of Calgary with a B.A. in Math and a B. Ed. She taught mathematics at the high school level for many years. She was popular with her students because of her good nature and empathy for those in her classes. Pat enjoyed all sports and particularly excelled at volleyball and tennis. She also loved the opportunity to hike and cross-country ski in the mountains. While Pat achieved in many areas her greatest accomplishment was raising, with David, two wonderful children. She must have known she had to provide a lot of mothering in their childhood and teen years as she wouldn’t be able to help them as they moved into adulthood. They are both truly fine young adults and a tribute to their mother and father. Pat was a gentle, cheerful and loving soul – a genuinely nice individual, who will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who knew her. Many doctors and medical personnel have been involved with Pat’s diagnosis, treatment and care over the past eleven years. All those involved treated this difficult situation with a high level of professional competence, but also with a great deal of compassion and are to be thanked. Her family particularly wish to thank caregivers Joyce and Lorette who worked with Pat for several years. Their loving care, and daughter Jenny’s devoted time, were paramount in enabling David to keep Pat at home as she struggled with the increasingly debilitating challenges of dementia. Community Care Coordinator Jenny was also a great support in arranging care for Pat. We would also like to thank the staff at Carewest Day Hospital Glenmore and Dr. Marlene Smart for their support and caring. A Private Family Service will be held on Monday, November 4, 2013. A Celebration of Pat’s Life will be held at CALGARY CREMATORIUM CHAPEL, 3219 – 4TH Street N.W. (within the valley of Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.hffs.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, Suite 201, 222 – 58th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com, or to The Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Ave W.,16th Floor, Toronto, ON Tel: 1-800-616-8816, www.alzheimer.ca, whose missions are to assist families living with dementia and fund research into causes and cures.