Obituary of Patricia Ann Poirier

POIRIER, Patricia Ann- 86 of Arichat It is with deep sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Patricia Ann Poirier of Arichat which occurred at her home in St. Anne’s Centre in Arichat on June 14, 2024. Born in Halifax on June 26, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Michael and Madeline Lillian (Wilson) Power. Our mother moved from Halifax to Louisdale as a young bride of 18 years in June of 1955, and had the pleasure of stepping into a newly built home that our dad provided. It was a challenging time for her being English, in a French community, and away from city life, but mom rose to the occasion and adapted very well with the support and love of extended family members. During their 55 years of marriage, Mom and Dad shared their love of music … Dad playing trumpet or saxophone, and mom singing. Dad‘s small band of local fellow musicians provided entertainment in the community dance halls, and Mom at times center stage singing a tune or two. Mom put her education from Miss Murphy’s Business College to use when she was employed by the Louisdale Credit Union in 1966 and worked with Margaret White and Mary Sampson. She was a Cancer survivor, and participated in the Isle Madame Relay for Life in 2006, shared her journey, and inspired many. Being a mother to five children, she was fun-loving, creative, nurturing but disciplined, and always a good listener. Summers were time at the beach, picnics, and later on camping. Mom loved to socialize with family and friends, especially for a delicious meal or even a coffee and a sweet treat like coconut cream pie. A special highlight in Mom’s life was going on a cruise with Dad in 2009, from Montreal to Boston. Dressing up in her finery and jewelry and enjoying all the lovely amenities of the cruise ship … mom felt like a queen. Following Dad’s death in 2011, Mom found a new sense of freedom and independence moved back to Halifax, and reconnected with family living there, especially daughter Andrea and her family. It was an exciting time for her to have her apartment and be able to go shopping for clothes, makeup, perfume, jewelry, and items for her apartment. She especially loved times with her sister Alma, and how they laughed! Her many adventures with nieces Linda, Joann, and Angela were so much fun, and deeply appreciated. Visits from her youngest son Michel and his family were cherished and thoroughly enjoyed. She expressed her creative talents in painting and shared her finished work with her family. As a grandmother, she was loving and helpful with occasional babysitting, and as they grew older, she loved to hear about their life’s events. Mom was a caregiver to our grandparents until their passing and understood only too well the demands it made on her life. When her health status changed in 2022, she chose to enter a nursing home. As luck would have it, St. Anne’s was available, and she was happy to return to Cape Breton and be closer to daughters Debra and Sharon. She brought her laughter, singing, and “spark” to St. Anne’s where she formed new friendships and a new sense of peace and security. Our mom was a social butterfly, and throughout her life, made many beautiful friendships. She will be missed by special friends, Julia Cordeau, Helen Burns, and Joe Rogerson. Her life was well lived. How beautiful was that! Patricia is survived by her daughters Debra (Gordon) Molloy, Louisdale, Sharon (Blair) Babin, West Arichat, Andrea (Paul) Maltby, Halifax; son Michel (Heather) Poirier, Riverview, N.B.; grandchildren Shawn (Cindy) Molloy, Alanna Molloy (Daniel Picard), Rocky (Tanya Cotie) Babin, Tyler (Renée) Babin, Megan Maltby (Stéphane Roy), Ashley (Alex) Kidney, Jack Poirier; great-grandsons Ashton and Ayden Babin; brother Joseph Power, Camphill Site, Halifax; nieces, Linda, Rosalind, Joann, Angela, Marlene, Susan, Deirdre, and Rhonda; nephew George. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Joseph James Poirier; son Paul (Diane) Poirier; brother Ronnie (Shirley) Power and sister Alma (Arthur) Poirier; nieces Lisa Poirier, and Linda McIsaac; sister-in-law Florence Power. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation per request. A celebration of life will be held in St. Louis Church, Louisdale on June 28th, 2024, at 1 pm, with Rev. Duncan MacIsaac officiating. Committal will follow in St. Louis Parish Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to St. Anne’s Center in Arichat. The family would like to extend their gratitude and sincere appreciation to ALL the staff of St Anne Centre for the care given to our mother and for making her feel loved, secure, and at home. Thanks to Drs Laurie and Scott MacNeil for her medical care. Tributes, words of comfort, and memories of Patricia may be shared with the family at www.chboudreau.com