Patricia Jessie Phelps (Pat)
June 30, 1927 - October 9, 2016
The family of Patricia Phelps sadly announce her passing on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at Pineview Terrace Lodge, Prince Albert, SK at the age of 89 years. Pat was born June 30, 1927, in Tuberose, SK. and grew up in Kyle, SK, along with her sister, where her father was the hardware store manager. As a young girl, Pat enjoyed playing various sports, including skating at the local rink, playing hockey on the girls’ team and curling, which she enjoyed in retirement as well. Music was also a part of Pats’ family, she enjoyed being in the choir at church. After completing high school, Pat attended Normal School, and began her teaching career at Saskatchewan Forks #364, in January, 1946, teaching grades 1-7, with 32 students crowded into a small room. A job she found both challenging and rewarding. It was here, she met her Charlie. Pat remained at Sask. Forks the following year, then left to teach grades 1-4, in a 4 roomed school in Harris, SK., staying for 2 years. Pat returned to Prince Albert and taught a grade 2 class at Central School, until December 20, 1950. Pat’s vacation time was spent attending University classes, upgrading her teaching certificate to Permanent First Class. Pat and Charlie were married August 1, 1950, and made their home in Prince Albert, where they welcomed two daughters, Bonnie and Beverly. In 1955, they moved to the farm, to an experience Pat was not use to, as she never lived on a farm, but had to learn, as there was no power, telephone, running water and indoor plumbing. Pat had many more things to learn to adapt to farm life, such as how to milk a cow, raise chickens, bake bread, grow a garden and can vegetables. Pat conducted summer vacation school, became organist for church services, was a member of the U.C.W and board of Steep Creek United Church, and began a 4-H Homecraft Club. While on the farm, Pat and Charlie welcomed two more children, Jean and Doug, completing their family. Pat took several years off teaching to raise her family, returning to the classroom in 1969, accepting the position of grade 2 at East Central School, always wanting to stay current, Pat once again began upgrading her own education, until her retirement in 1981, due to health reasons. Pat was always very proud of her family, and enjoyed being able to stay in touch with everyone near and far through Facebook. One of Pats biggest passions, was watching the Blue Jays, as I am sure we can all agree, visiting halted while she was watching a game. Pat enjoyed working as part of the team that published the history book, Chances, Challenges and Cherished Memories, for the districts of Colleston, Cecil, Birson, Fanford, Steep Creek, and Sask Forks. A huge undertaking, that took many hours of dedicated editing, compiling and gathering of material from many contributing sources. Pat spent 3 years at Kopera Care Home, before moving into Pineview a little more than a year ago, enjoying her extended families in both places. Pat is survived by her children Bonnie (Wayne) Whitbread, Beverly (Victor) Casavant, Jean (Bob) Blocka and Doug (Karen) Phelps; her grandchildren Rory (Veronica) Whitbread, Joe Whitbread (Jo), Charlene (Perry) Bicknell, Vicki Casavant (Verlin), Chantelle (Jim) Jacobs, Trevor Casavant (Jorddin), Nicole (Brian) Causey, Chad Blocka, Logan Phelps (Jordyn) and Colton Phelps; as well as 15 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Ivy MacDonald; brother-in-law Chuck Vaughan; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; and her wonderful family at Pineview Terrace Lodge. Pat was predeceased by; her husband Charles; parents Orin and Lilian Jacobs; father and mother-in-law Archie and Flora Phelps; sister and brother-in-law Esther (Norman) Pederson; sister-in-law Eva Vaughan; brothers-in-law Ken MacDonald and James Phelps. Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at Calvary United Church, 114 – 25th Street East, Prince Albert, SK with Reverend Nora Vedress officiating. Interment will be held at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens with lunch to follow at Calvary United Church. In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations can be made to Pineview Terrace Lodge or Calvary United Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray's Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).