Click here to watch the Celebration of Life for Mary Patterson

Mary Geraldine (MacKay) Patterson, age 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20, 2026, at East Cumberland Lodge in Pugwash, N.S., surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 29, 1938, in Rockley, Nova Scotia, she was the daughter of the late Harold Borden MacKay and Minnie Viola (Smith) MacKay.

Along with her parents, she was pre-deceased by her husband, Denis Patterson, her brothers Mark Smith and William MacKay, and special companion, Lloyd Elliott.

She is survived by her children Tim (Lyndsey) Blake, Denise Darragh, Grant (Janet) Patterson, Dana (Ralph Weeks) Patterson; her sister Grace (Fred) Speth, brother Lawrence MacKay, brothers-in-law Ronald Trenholm, Gary (Mary Jane) Patterson, Brian Patterson, sisters-in-law Diana MacKay and Janet (Dave) Westington, along with her 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mom was born and raised in Rockley where she received her elementary education at the Rockley "Academy" followed by her middle and high school education in Pugwash. She then attended vocational training in Halifax where she graduated with honors from the secretarial program and was also the class valedictorian.

She was hired as secretary when the Pugwash District High School opened in 1958 and would return many years later to finish her working career there. In her younger years she lived and worked in Winnipeg, was a reservist in the Royal Canadian Navy, and upon returning to Nova Scotia, lived in various communities as the wife of a Mountie.

Mom was very musical and played in many groups, bands and at house parties over the years. No matter where she lived, she made lifelong friends and was always a great community supporter.  She was well known for her Pugwash news notes in the Oxford Journal, her volunteer work with The Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary, her July 1st gatherings, and many family meals and get-togethers where you didn't have to be a relative to be considered family.  Mom loved the little Calvary United Church in Port Howe, where she was proud member.  She made many personal connections over the years where she would listen and be a sounding board for anyone who needed it. Her door was always open.

We would like to thank everyone who helped Mom maintain her independence in her own home over the past few years. She was especially grateful for her Church Street neighbours for all their support and friendship - as the saying goes, it takes a Village!

As well, we would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff at East Cumberland Lodge where Mom spent the last few months living a full life surrounded by caring staff, whom she considered family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Cumberland Lodge recreation or memorial fund, or a charity of one's choice.