Patricia Knowland

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Knowland at the Gibson Long Term Care Centre on Friday September 20, 2013. She died peacefully in her 92nd year. She was the dear sister of Barbara Viner and John Elliot Square, who both predeceased her. She is mourned by her son, Paul (Debbie), daughter Jill (Al) Dickson, and granddaughter, Jessica Knowland. She is also remembered very fondly by her niece and many nephews in England. Pat was born on January 15, 1922 to Edward and Dorothy Elliot Square, in Plymouth England. She attended the Moorfield School for girls. It was here, no doubt, that she developed a great love for reading and tennis. Like the rest of her generation, she was caught up in the events of World War 2 and served her country in the Women’s Royal Naval Service as a 2nd Officer. Her service took her to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) where she made many friends. While in the WRENS, she met her husband David. After the war, they immigrated to Canada with their son, Paul and settled in Oakville. The later arrival of her daughter, Jill, added great joy to their lives. Pat remained in Oakville for all but the last five years of her life. While in Oakville, Pat demonstrated a great interest in sailing, as well as tennis and bridge. She enjoyed being a member of the Oakville Club for nearly half a century, where she was able to take part in all her favourite activities, and where she made many great friends. In fact she continued to play tennis well into her eighties. She enjoyed travelling a great deal, and made many trips back to England to visit family. After she came to Canada, Pat held a number of secretarial positions in industry. From the late 1960’s to her retirement in 1987, she worked mainly for Dr. Graham Owen as a medical secretary. She loved working with the other staff as well as the patients. As well, she was actively involved with charitable organizations such as the IODE. After her retirement, she pursued her lifelong passion for English literature at McMaster University and graduated from there with honours in 1992. She had a very strong interest in drama and enjoyed going to the theatre, as well as other outings with her many friends. When living on her own became too challenging for her, Pat moved into Churchill Place, where she received wonderful treatment and was very happy. Later, as a result of advancing Alzheimer’s disease, she went to the Gibson Long Term Care Centre where she spent the last few years of her life. The family would especially like to thank the staff at Gibson for their care and devotion to her during this last period. Her service is to be held at St Judes Anglican Church, 160 Williams Street, Oakville at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday September 28th, with a reception to follow at the Oakville Club, nearby. In lieu of flowers, kindly send donations to the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada or a charity of your choice. Please visit the Book of Memories at www.wardfuneralhome.com