Obituary of Patricia Joanne Haylock (nee Dodge)

Passed away at home, April 10, 2024. Predeceased by her husband George, her parents Gordon and Jessie, sister Elizabeth, and most recently her sister Charmaine. Pat is survived by her daughters Christine (Keegan Smith) and Bonnie (Corey Sutherland,) her grandson Beckett, her sister Beverley, sister-in-law Lorna (Peter McGuinness,) brother-in-law Tom Yates (June Haylock), and several nieces and nephews.

Born in Terrace Bay Ontario, the youngest of four girls, Patti was full of fun and mischief. The stories she told of growing up on the shores of Lake Superior often involved escapades with her beloved dad and sister Beverly.  Known by her niece Shaunda as “the cool aunt,” Patti was full of laughter, kindness, and the capacity for getting into the best kind of trouble.

Patti moved to Toronto after high school, where she lived with two Irish girls. She worked at Bate Chemical, where her desk was located between the water cooler and the desk of a certain George Haylock, who suddenly developed a need to drink more water. It didn’t take long for George to invite Patti to a reception at the Armoury, which made Patti so nervous she forgot to eat, and subsequently passed out in front of everyone. They were married not long after, and set up their home on Victoria Park Road, in the same building as George’s sister Lorna and her husband Peter, where much fun was had.

With the prospect of children on the horizon, Pat and George moved to Kitchener, where their girls were born. Family life was fun and busy, with Pat spearheading the crafts, birthday parties, Christmases, and roller-skating, creating a fun, loving childhood for her girls. In later years, she welcomed Corey and Keegan into the family, always looking for little ways to make them feel as loved as her girls were, often with her exceptional cooking skills.

She gained lifelong friends through her girls’ activities and adored exploring Southern Ontario. Walks with Sandy, trips to the Waterloo Farmers Market, and Neil Diamond concerts were all features of her life. Pat and George were enthusiastic travelers, and she continued this after his death with visits to see her girls out west, and shopping trips with her friends.

Pat enjoyed a fulfilling career, first at the BDC, then later at Rae and Lipskie. Unsurprisingly, she made a number of lifelong friends with both coworkers and clients, who appreciated her warmth and professionalism.

The friendships Pat made as a dance mom developed later into a wonderful group of ladies whose trips to the States, Bachelor nights, laughter and support brought her so much joy. We know that Aldene and the girls will miss her dearly, and we know that Pat valued their love immensely.

Pat’s capacity for fun and mischief got a boost later in life with the arrival of her grandson Beckett. Her visits with him were filled with silliness, love, and apple pancakes. They were best buddies, always laughing, and were forever stealing Grandma’s chair from one another.

The loss of Pat leaves an immense void in the lives of her family and friends, but we will forever hear her laughter, and see her dancing, as we remember that, “there is a song for everything.”

At Pat’s request, a funeral will not be held. A private family interment will be held at Memory Gardens in Breslau. Cremation has taken place.

Condolences for the family and donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada may be arranged through www.erbgood.com.