THORNHILL, Patricia Ann

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Patricia Ann Thornhill, 74, of Lunenburg, on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax.

Born on October 20, 1949, in Bridgewater, NS, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Roberta (Geldert) Powers.

In Patricia’s early years, she first attended the Lunenburg Academy until grade 11 and then completed her Grade 12 year at the newly constructed, Lunenburg High School. She then went on to attend Kings Regional Vocational School for studies in bookkeeping and accounting. While there, National Cash Register Company gave a computer test just for males, so she signed up and competed as Pat. She was one of two people who passed the test, but NCR did not even interview her because she was female. She worked in banking at the Royal Bank of Canada and CIBC and as a bookkeeper for Powers Bros. Limited, Eastern Electronics Limited, Eastport Marine Limited, Atlantic Electronics Limited, Alan Creaser Investments Ltd, Days Inn, YMCA and finally at DW Cabinets. She was also actively involved in the community through organizations of her choice and those that involved her children and grandchildren. Pat served as President of the Lunenburg Jaycettes, Treasurer of the Lunenburg Day Care Centre, Treasurer of the Lunenburg Minor Hockey Association and both Area and District Commissioner of Girl Guides Canada. Pat was also an active member of Zion Lutheran Church. She never missed a swim meet when her children and then later her granddaughter, Emma swam for the Lunenburg Mariners. Even though sports might not have been Pat’s favourite thing, she always remained a lover when the sport involved her children or grandchildren. Even though distance was an obstacle to attending all of her granddaughter, Mallory’s hockey games she was an active supporter and loved to hear about Mal’s accomplishments.

Pat lived for her family. This started at a very young age when she spent as much time as she possibly could with her grandparents, Emmie, Gongie and Gladys. Her family was always her main priority, and she was there for all activities and significant events. She managed to work full time, run the household, still be active, and contribute to the majority of organizations that her children were involved. Then when her granddaughters came along, she tried to be just as active and involved in their lives.

Pat’s second passion was the many pets that came through her life, even the ones that her daughter randomly brought home. Pat also had talented hands for anything creative like crafts, music, or baking. She tried her hardest to pass these skills along to the future generations; we hope we can try to carry them on in her absence. She loved her time spent near the water especially at the family cottage in Princes Inlet. Her love of swimming has passed along to the future generations. Pat was an extremely warm-hearted person, she was not afraid to love with all of her heart and she made anyone she welcomed into her circle feel loved, appreciated and valued. She was not necessarily a person to show her love with words, but she still managed to make sure we all felt it.

Patricia is survived by her husband of 52 years, Albert; son Michael Thornhill (Michelle), Dartmouth; daughter Amanda Allen (Anthony), Corkums Island; granddaughters Mallory Thornhill and Emma Allen, and her sister Marcia Powers-Dunlop, Etobicoke, ON. Since pets were her passion, she is also survived by her cat Odessa and grand-furbabies Phoebe, Thor, and Rey.

Her parents, brother-in-law David Dunlop, and many pets that have graced the family predeceased her.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Highway 3, Lunenburg, and from where a celebration of her life was held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 4 p.m. A small reception of sweets and coffee and tea followed. A private interment will be held at a later date at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Lunenburg.

In lieu of flowers, Patricia may be remembered by a donation to the SHAID Tree Animal Shelter, VON Canada, or a charity of your choosing. www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca