Muriel J. Patterson (nee McCann), R.N. , passed away in her 97th year at Westgate Nursing Home, Belleville, ON on March 6, 2013.

Muriel was the widow of Reverend Joseph (Joe) N. Patterson and beloved mother of David and Carol Patterson of Belleville. She was predeceased by her son, Ellwood and daughter-in-law Dorothy Patterson of Brockville, ON. Dear sister of Erma Marshall of Brockville, Phyllis Lickers of Ohsweken, ON. Muriel was predeceased by sister Verna Nixon and brothers Lawrence, Stuart, Gerald, Trevor and Allan McCann. Muriel is remembered in love by her grandchildren, Noah (Desiree) Patterson of Belleville, Kristan (Sheldon) Hudson, Delaware, USA, grandchildren Neil (Sue) Patterson of Ottawa, Kevin (Charlotte) Patterson of Ottawa, Heather (Doug) Perrin of Brockville and Craig (Cathy) of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. and her great grandchildren Zachary, Eliana, Tristan, and Antonia. Great-grandmother of 12.

She was the daughter of a successful Athens, ON farmer (Charlie McCann) and exceptional homemaker, taking after her mother (Maude McCann).
Wife of a pastor (Rev. Joe Patterson) who would take in any stray animal or person that he came across or who made their way to their door.

For 96+ years, Muriel touched and served people. Through acts as the wife of a pastor, active in the church and as a registered nurse for many years following graduation from Grace Memorial Hospital (1937) , although she nursed people all her life.

Her granddaughter writes – “Grandma loved pink, dressing nicely, having her hair done every Saturday and making sure to have her perm every (6th) Saturday. She had a sincere love for church, every Sunday that I am in church, even before grandma had died, I feel her standing with me and hear her singing. I especially hear her during the singing of ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘It is Well’. Even when grandma had lost the ability to sing, she would still do all she could to give glory to God. Even if that meant she could only speak the words. In this, grandma exemplified that even when things were difficult, she used what voice she had left to sing God’s praise! “

Rev. Dr. Gary Walsh wrote: “She was an RN whose care of persons reflected her professional training and her Christian concern for others. A gifted singer, she and her husband both sang well and that included quartet singing with the Walshes. Known for a great sense of humor, she could liven up any conversation, though she could be serious, prayerful and caring in the same conversation.”

“She lived through the death of her first born, Ellwood in Brockville, and her husband Rev. Joe Patterson. Even while in the nursing home, she shared that the Lord must be sparing her so she could minister to those who cared for her there. She was a good, Godly, gifted woman. I am a better person for having known her.”

The funeral service took place at Centennial Free Methodist Church, Belleville, on March 11th, 2014. Interment at Glen Elbe Cemetery, Leeds, ON.