Patricia (Pat) Robert

Peacefully, with family at her side, Pat Robert passed away on February 6, 2020. Joan Patricia was born on December 5, 1929 to John Jr. and Belle Arnott in Roblin, Manitoba. Mom liked to recount the story that her mother had told her, that ‘she was a special request’ of her father, who had been so busy breaking the land when his older children were young, and couldn’t they have another baby?

Pat grew up in a loving family, on the farm south of Roblin. After graduation from high school, she moved south to Birtle to work at the Royal Bank. Next door to the bank was the Hotel Robert, and she soon met the proprietor’s son – their first date was a trip to Clear Lake. On September 15, 1949 Hector and Pat were married.

Hector and Pat raised their 7 children, and hosted family and friends at their home at the top of the south hill; later christened ‘Chez Robert’, it was beside the old Carlton Trail passing through the valley. They moved in 1951 and Pat lived there for 65 years.

In 1973 Pat started a new career as a nurse’s aide, and spent 13 enjoyable years at the Birtle Hospital. Pat and Hector were each active in the Birtle community.

‘Piano Grandma’ was a gifted pianist and organist, accompanying church services, weddings, funerals and for her own pleasure. She spent many hours knitting and quilting, making memorable dolls, afghans and quilts to give away to family and friends. She was also an avid reader: ‘What would we do without books!’.

Hector passed away in 1989. Pat is also predeceased by her brothers and    sisters, Mary Halpin, Agnes Sturgess, Bruce, Ron, and Jean Mcbride. She leaves behind her children Leslie, Sid, Rachelle (Pat) Campbell, Jean (Larry) Kowal, Susanne (Ron) Burdett, Philip and Andrew (Colleen); grandchildren, Adrienne, Jennifer, Alexander, Victoria, Charles, Erin, Melissa, Heather, Michael and Adam, and many great-grandchildren.

Thank-you to the staff at Birtle Transition Unit, Fairview Home, and Brandon General Hospital for your care. In lieu of flowers donations may be made tot he Hector & Patricia Robert Scholarship Fund c/o Alcide Robert, P.O. Box 184 Birtle, Manitoba R0M 0C0

Pat will be fondly remembered.