Our mom, our Nana – was the heart of our home. She was a loving homemaker, but more than that, she was the quiet CEO who kept everything running. She budgeted, planned, organized, and somehow made it all feel effortless. Her generosity didn’t stop at our front door – it extended to cousins, neighbours, friends, and even her granddaughter’s pals, who were always welcomed with the same warmth and kindness.

Growing up, the three Harrison girls could enter a room like we were on a runway – coordinated outfits in matching colours, all lovingly designed and sewn by Mom, complete with perfectly curled ringlets. Those memories still make us smile, and we treasure the photos of her creations from those early years. And while we eventually grew into our own confident and individual styles, those moments remind us just how much care and love she poured into us.

Mom had a gift for turning the simplest outings into something special. A picnic wasn’t just a picnic – it was an excursion. Whether we were tailgating, spending the afternoon at Chapman Camp pool, or heading out for a “big” day at Wasa Lake, she made it feel magical. Peanut butter and jam sandwiches, cookies, and fruit somehow tasted better when they came from her hands, shared under the sun with our family.

While our dad, Ol’ Mikey, led us on many adventures, it was Mom who made them happen. She was the steady force behind camping trips to Whiteswan, Rosen, and Premier Lakes, early mornings at swim meets with Kimberley’s Seahorse Swim Club, weekends spent skiing, and our cherished two-week summer vacations at Christina Lake. Looking back, we realize how much love and effort went into those moments and how deeply they shaped us.

Pat (Patricia Jones) was born on November 12, 1941, in Kimberley. She grew up with her sister, Barb, and her three brothers, John, Mike, and Donald – sharing a lively and memorable childhood on Rotary Drive. One of her proudest moments came in 1958, when she was crowned Snow Fiesta Queen, a highlight of Kimberley’s beloved winter celebration.

Mom first met Mike when she was just 15 years old. She later married our dad, Mike, on August 26, 1961, and together they built a life filled with love and family, raising their three daughters – Shannon, Robyn, and Dana. She always told us that dad (Mike) was the love of her life, and she never wavered in that belief. Watching their relationship gave us something rare and beautiful – a true example of lasting love.

Being a mom was one of Pat’s greatest joys, but her heart truly overflowed when she became ‘Nana’ to her beloved granddaughter, Kaity. Family was the centre of her world, and the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Pat is reunited with her best friend/husband, Ol’ Mikey, her cherished youngest daughter, Dana, and her parents, Helen and Casey. While our hearts ache with her absence, we find comfort in knowing she is surrounded once again by those she loved most. We are deeply grateful for the beautiful life she created, the laughter and kindness she shared, and the countless memories that will forever remain with us.

Pat will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her daughters (Shannon & Robyn), son-in-law Walter, granddaughter Kaity, her sister and brothers, the “joined-at-the-hip” gang, and many treasured friends and extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in loving memory of Pat Harrison to Kimberley’s Seniors Helping Seniors at the Centennial Centre.