Patricia “Pat” Bernice (Burns) Ripley
June 16th, 1932 ~ February 8th, 2017
In loving remembrance of Patricia “Pat” Bernice (Burns) Ripley, who was called to join her cherished husband Al on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at the age of 84 years.
Pat was born on June 16, 1932 in Dryden, Ontario, to Margaret and Jack Burns, and lived her early years in Wabigoon, along with siblings Bob, Mona, Con and Vi. The family moved to Dryden while Pat was young and she has resided here since then. Pat met her future husband and best friend, Al, when he moved to Dryden to work in the family’s Black and White Taxi business.
Pat and Al were married on July 3, 1953. Their first home was an apartment in the Moore Block, before moving to First Street for a few years, and then buying their home on Casimir, where they would raise their two sons, Dale and Dan.
Pat and Al enjoyed socializing with family and friends, often including co-workers and managers from her work. The attendance of the “Burns sisters” at family functions always guaranteed a good time. Camping was a favorite pastime of the Ripley family and many summer holidays were spent this way.
In 1975, Al and Pat moved to their home on Colonization Avenue and spent many enjoyable years in their home and beautiful back yard. It was during this time that Pat and Al began their love of travelling, with trips to Hawaii, the southern United States and many winters at Marco Island.
Pat worked in retail her entire life – at Proudfoot’s, The Bay, and, most recently, Four Seasons Footwear, developing many lifelong friendships along the way. She loved working in the fashion industry and was well known in our community for her fashion flare and her fedora hat.
In 2003, Pat and Al were thrilled to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends. Unfortunately, she lost her beloved Albert on Easter Sunday, 2009, and combined with the physical pain she encountered from her scoliosis, life would become extremely difficult for her remaining years.,
Pat is survived by her sons Dale (Cathy) of Dryden and Dan of Winnipeg; two grandsons Paul (Crystal) and Shaun; great-grandchildren Brittney Ripley, Darion and Courtney Michelin, and Quentin and Jada Ripley; great-great grandson Kaleb Ripley; and her two sisters Mona Euler and Vi Wolanin, all of Dryden. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Ann of North Bay, and brother-in-law Bob (Vera) Ripley of Winnipeg, and many extended family members.
Pat was predeceased by her husband Al, granddaughter Tricia, parents Margaret and Jack Burns, and brothers Bob and Con.
Memorial Funeral Services to celebrate the life of Patricia will be held Monday, February 13th at 2:00 p.m. in First United Church with Rev. Erin McIntyre Garrick officiating.
Private family interment of ashes will be held in the Dryden Cemetery.
If friends desire donations may be made to the DRHC Palliative Care Fund or the Second Chance Pet Network through the Stevens Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca.