Mildred Patterson

Mildred Ruth Patterson Obituary

Mildred Patterson passed away peacefully, in her sleep, on August 26, 2025.

She was 96 years old. Her life was one of loving, caring, determination, laughter, and hard work. A life well lived.

Born on December 4, 1928, in Moncton, New Brunswick, she was the child of Salvation Army ministers, Cornelius and Millie Knaap, who went on to become the heads of the church in Canada and Bermuda.

As a child of ministers, along with her siblings Tom, Miriam (her twin) and Joyce, she moved frequently in her youth. Mildred attributed these early years to her strong desire to find a place to stay put, become part of a community and build a family. While living in Toronto she met and married the love of her life, Franklin George Patterson, on June 24, 1950.

They built a life together in Toronto where they had 3 children, Raymond(Carmen), Ruth(Ron McLeod) and Ethel(Michael Bandzierz). Mildred enjoyed her time as a stay-at-home Mom. She was known for her expertise as a seamstress, making clothing for herself and matching dresses for her daughters. Mildred could knit anything, even outfits for Barbie dolls. There were many needlework projects and hooked rugs in her home. She was a skilled baker and went all out on themed birthday cakes for her children and vast quantities of Christmas goodies.

These were busy years for any young mother, but Mildred also had the challenge of raising two deaf children. With patience and perseverance, she worked tirelessly to help them learn to communicate and participate successfully in a hearing world. Her hopes for all her children came true.

When her youngest child started Middle School, Mildred decided to begin working outside of her home. She started as a part time helper in a kindergarten class while she went to night school to build her secretarial skills. She eventually became the administrator of Charles E Webster public school which was within walking distance of her home. She held that job until she retired.

When her husband died suddenly in 1991, Mildred struggled to overcome her grief. She went on to get her driver’s license, purchase a little red car she was so fond of, get a puppy, join clubs, make new friends, and be involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. At the time of her passing, Mildred had 5 grandchildren: Vera Goudie(Rob); Daniel Patterson(Miranda); Blair Patterson; Davis Patterson(Alexandra) and Ellen Patterson(Jeff Hamilton) along with 9 great grandchildren: Evelyn, Maggie, Violet and Bobbie Goudie; Cole, Ben, Hannah and Charlotte Patterson; and Lucas Patterson.

Her family is forever grateful for the care and kindnesses she received from the staff and residents at Meighen Retirement Residence along with her personal care givers Elisa, Preciosa, Eleanor and Amelita. The Memorial Service will be a private famiIy gathering. If you would like to make a donation in Mildred’s memory, please do so to The Salvation Army, c/o Meighen Retirement Residence, 84 Davisville Ave, Toronto, Ontario M4S 1G1; website: salvationarmy.ca>meighen-retirement-residence

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