Patricia Rathwell October 13, 1934 - April 8, 2025

It’s with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Pat Rathwell, on April 7, 2025, at the age of 90, at Princess Court, surrounded by her loved ones.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Lillian Rathwell (Jeff), Cheryl Cottrell (John), Jim Rathwell (Liana), and Patrick Rathwell; grandchildren, Sarah Ferguson (Andrew), Stephanie Jaszczyszak (Andrew), Madison Rathwell, and Morgan Rathwell (Sean); great grandson, Reid Jaszczyszak; brothers Jerry and Norm Desautels; along with her sister, Linda Scott; sister-in-law, Inga Desautels; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pat was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Betty Desautels; husband, James Rathwell; sister, Corise Johnson (Ray); brothers, Roger (Sophie), Frances, Eugene, Brian, Don (Margaret), Richard, and Marcel (Donna); sisters-in-law, Claudette and Laurie Desautels; nephews, Wayne and Randy Desautels.

Pat was the eldest of 12 siblings and was born in Dufrost, Manitoba. The family later moved to Ste. Anne, Manitoba, before relocating to Dryden to live on the farm. Pat married James in 1955 and had four wonderful children. Her family was her greatest achievement and source of joy. She loved every moment spent with her children and grandchildren, and last year, she was able to meet her new great-grandson, Reid, bringing her so much love and happiness.

Pat was tenacious and tough, and you could be sure there was never a dull moment with her around. She always had a way of making people laugh. Pat cherished being a volunteer for the St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, where she spent a great amount of time helping out. She loved scary movies, Elvis, music, and could be seen playing the spoons.

Though Pat has passed, her legacy endures through the fond memories she created with everyone whose life she touched. She will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.

Pat’s family would like to extend a huge thank you to the staff and nurses at the Princess Court Long Term Care home for the great care she received during her time there.

Visitation will be held at the Dryden Community Funeral Home on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. with prayers at 7 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 1 p.m., with a luncheon and graveside interment to follow.

As per her wishes, she will be buried beside James, her husband.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the DECO Committee at Princess Court, Box 343, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1 or to the Second Chance Pet Network, Box 953, Dryden, ON P8N 3E3 or to a charity of your choice.