Funeral Time

    Patricia Pauline Kathleen O’Grady of Listowel - Age 93
    1925-03-18 - 2018-06-16

    Miss Patricia Pauline Kathleen O’Grady of Listowel passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, June 16, 2018. She was 93.
    Patricia was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Catherine (Schiebel) O’Grady, brothers Howard, Charles, Clare and his wife Ann, and Edward and his wife Margaret (Peggy). She will be remembered fondly by sister-in-law Doreen (Charles) O’Grady.
    Patricia was the cherished aunt of Denis (Terri) O’Grady, Pat O’Grady, Mary (Dave) Koehler, Barb (Steve) Cachia, Lisa O’Grady, Lynne (Gerry) McConville, , Luci (Malcolm) Clark, John (Victoria) O’Grady, Maureen O’Grady, Shelley O’Grady, Charlene (Jeff Appel) O’Grady, and Kathy-Jo (Craig Lawrence) O’Grady.
    Patsy worked on the family farm in Tralee until her move to Listowel, where she worked at the Campbell Soup Company and Hiemstra’s Nursing Home. She was an original staff member of Caressant Care Nursing Home in Listowel, where she worked as a health care aide until her retirement. Patsy was a life-long member of St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Catholic churches, and she was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League.
    Patsy’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, June 28th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Listowel: visitation at 10 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. officiated by Reverend Keith Morrison. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hesson.
    Memorial donations may be made to the Listowel Catholic Women’s League.
    Patsy will be remembered for her love of laughter, her compassion especially for those in need, and her deep faith. Arrangements entrusted to Listowel Community Family Funeral Home in Listowel  

    Story of Her Life Patricia Pauline O’Grady was born on March 18, 1925 in the Township of Mornington. She was the second eldest of five children, the only daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Schiebel) O’Grady.
    Patsy grew up on the family farm in Tralee and attended the one-room U.S.S. No. 10 Mornington school at the junction of highways 86 and 19. She shared many stories of fun times and antics in the classroom and on the grounds. Patsy participated for many years in the Tralee Women’s Institute which provided friendship and learning. She was a long-time member of the Catholic Women’s League of St. Mary’s Church in Hesson, and St. Joseph’s Church in Listowel. She enjoyed helping out with and attending spring and fall socials, garden parties, and fundraising bazaars; she was known to benefit from “the luck o’ the Irish,” often winning prizes and raffles.
    Patsy worked hard on the home farm, then at the Campbell’s Soup Company after moving to Listowel in the ‘60s. In the early ‘70s, Patsy began work as a health care aide at Hiemstra’s Nursing Home on Main Street in Listowel. When Caressant Care Nursing Home was established, she moved there to become a member of the original staff of this new facility. She provided care and comfort to the residents there until her retirement. Patsy later returned to live at Caressant Care, and she could often be seen extending support and consideration in little ways to her fellow residents.
    Patsy loved cooking and baking, and friends and family benefited regularly from her gift of hospitality. Rarely would anyone leave from a visit, no matter how short, without a treat or snack of some sort! Patsy was a cookbook collector, and a “recipe clipper” until her final days. She happily shared her culinary expertise at family functions, church events, and later as a member of the residents’ council at Caressant Care.
    Patsy loved to attend Bingo events, where her good luck often paid off. She was also a shrewd Euchre player: even on her 93rd birthday, she expertly played many winning hands, accusing the other players of letting her win (we wish!). She was an avid observer of current events and political drama; this “night owl” often watched news and talk shows late into the night, and on occasion, she voiced her opinion by penning letters to the editor of local newspapers. Patsy was a proud Canadian who could speak to local and country-wide history and progress. She also held fondness and respect for the Monarchy. She followed the Queen’s travels and the evolution of her family life, and she took particular interest in the more recent, joyful events of the princes’ marriages and the birth of new royal babies.
    Patsy had a kind heart: she loved animals and had a soft spot for anyone in need. She was a devout Catholic, a devoted daughter, and a loyal sister to her brothers Howard, Charles, Clare, and Eddie, and proud aunt to twelve nieces and nephews. Patsy lived a good life and humbly led by example:
      

    When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

    When you thought I wasn’t looking,
    I saw you hang my painting on your fridge,
    And I wanted to paint another one.

    When you thought I wasn’t looking,
    I saw you feed a stray cat,
    And I thought, it’s good to be kind to animals.

    When you thought I wasn’t looking,
    I saw you make my favourite cookies for me,
    And I knew that little things are special things.

    When you thought I wasn’t looking,
    I heard you say a prayer,
    And I believed that there is a God to talk to.

    When you thought I wasn’t looking,
    I felt you take my hand to cross the street,
    And I felt safe and cared for.

    When you thought I wasn’t looking,
    I saw tears come from your eyes,
    And I learned that sometimes things hurt but it’s alright to cry.

    When you thought I wasn’t looking,
    I saw that you cared,
    And I wanted to be the best that I could be.

    When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked…
    And I want to say thanks for all the things I saw,
    When you thought I wasn’t looking.

    - Author Unknown (adapted)
    Funeral service to be held on
    Thursday 28th of June 2018 at 10:00am
    St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church
    Patsy’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, June 28th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Listowel: visitation at 10 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. officiated by Reverend Keith Morrison. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hesson.
    Location
    1025 Wallace Ave N
    Listowel
    N4W 1M6
    Canada