Obituary for Patricia Ann Pichurski

Patricia was born on June 3, 1946, in Ottawa, Ont., to parents Thomas and Grace Steele. Pat attended high school in Regina and then moved to North Battleford, where she met and married John Walter Pichurski. The happy couple wed on April 8, 1967, and were further blessed with a lovely family when Laura was born in 1968 and Paul was born in 1975.

Pat was a dedicated community member. She volunteered with the CNIB to transcribe documents into Braille. For many years, she volunteered with the Regina Public Library ESL program teaching conversational English, making many friends during that time. Pat was community-minded and was always involved with a variety of charitable organizations. Pat and John joined the Taoist Tai Chi Club in Regina and began a journey of learning and practice, and have a strong legacy in tai chi in Regina and Calgary.

Pat had a long career in public service in the Government of Saskatchewan, spanning more than 40 years. She worked hard to co-ordinate government minister conferences at the provincial, interprovincial and federal levels, as well as with First Nations governing bodies. Pat was well respected in her workplaces and retired in 2007.

Pat was creative all through her life. She enjoyed fibre arts, including crocheting, and there was always a baby blanket on the hook, ready to be gifted to a newborn baby, whether a family member or a member of the greater community. Pat enjoyed cross-stitching and tried her hand at knitting. Pat loved reading and had all of the Joanne Kilbourn novels on her shelf. It is no wonder that she had a Little Free Library at her home.

In later years, Pat loved swimming, walking, and doing gentle yoga or tai chi. Pat loved curling and rarely missed a televised bonspiel. She also had a unique sense of adventure — embarking on a hot-air balloon ride to celebrate her retirement and skydiving to mark her 70th birthday.

Pat always valued relationships with family and friends and frequently travelled to visit lifelong friends, nieces, nephews, cousins and siblings. Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life are her children, Paul (Becky) Pichurski and Laura (Dennis) Ambrose; her grandchildren, Caden and Coral Pichurski and Emma and Amanda Ambrose; her brother, Alex (Lois) Steele; as well as her extended family and many friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, John Walter Pichurski; her parents, Tom and Grace Steele; her father and mother in-law, Walter and Eva Pichurski; her niece Heather Steele; her nephew Glen Steele; and many friends she made throughout her lifetime.

Many words come to mind to describe Pat: intelligent, independent, determined, accepting and gracious, to name but a few. Patricia meant so much to so many, and she leaves behind a legacy of precious memories. She will be forever remembered with love and respect.

The memorial service will be held at Fantin’s Funeral Chapel (13461 20th Ave., Blairmore, Alta.) on Sept. 11, 2021, at 1 p.m., with Rev. Nicky Keyworth officiating. The service will be live-streamed and recorded and can be accessed by visiting the Fantin’s Funeral Chapel website.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by Grace Anglican United Church (PO Box 1044, Blairmore, AB, T0K 0E0) or Diabetes Canada (#220, 6223 Second St. S.E., Calgary, AB, T2H 1J5). Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Fantin’s Funeral Chapel

403-562-8555   www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca