Obituary of Patricia Anne Davidson

Patricia Anne Davidson, cookie-making master, card shark, singer, nurse and fearless familial leader, died on Dec. 4, 2021. She was 79. Patricia was born on March 18, 1942, in the height of the Second World War. Her father, Frederick Keirstead, was serving in the air force at the time with high hopes he would be welcomed home by another son. Patricia would prove her strength and wisdom by pioneering academic and career achievements for the family and by laying an inspirational path for the children she would eventually raise to do the same. Patricia "Pat", mostly referred to as Patsy as a child, was primarily raised by her mother, Thelma McCready, along with her sisters Enid, Doris and Diane, and brother Bob. She grew up in a farmhouse near Sussex, N.B., but often travelled to Fredericton to spend time with her beloved Uncle George and Aunt Thirza McCready. After she graduated from Sussex Composite Highschool in 1960, Pat moved to Fredericton where she received a diploma from Victoria Public Hospital School of Nursing. She would later complete a course in psychiatric nursing at Essondale in British Columbia, earn a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of New Brunswick and a Masters of Nursing Degree from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. She practiced her skills as a mental health nurse at the Saint John General Hospital, Victoria Public Hospital and the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital. Pat would later take a job as nursing professor at the University of New Brunswick’s Faculty of Nursing. Pat was the second in her family to receive an academic degree, following her father’s footsteps. She paved the way for her two daughters, Linda Duffett-Leger and Heather Weeks, who were inspired to take-on their fair share of degrees and pursue careers in public health. In her spare time, Pat loved to sing alto in church and various community choirs and go ballroom dancing with her second husband Michael. Pat is survived by her soul mate and husband, Michael Davidson, her sisters, Diane Keirstead and Enid Mills, daughters, Linda Duffett-Leger and Heather Duffett-Weeks (Murray), step daughters, Patricia Coulson, Kimberley Peasley, Jackie Davidson (Brent), and grandchildren, Alex, Olivia, Nicole, Isabelle, Connor, Hope, Lucas, Macy and Theo. She is predeceased by her parents Frederick and Thelma Keirstead, uncle George and aunt Thirza McCready, her first husband Jim Duffett, brother Bob Keirstead and sister Doris Baron. Pat retired in 2002 after a long and successful career. This changed the focus of her life to improving her golf skills (which remained rusty for decades), travelling and being the greatest support for her children and grandchildren. Pat and her husband spent their time visiting family across Canada and exploring Europe, the Caribbean, and Australia. Near or far, Pat was always acutely aware of her children’s and grandchildren’s achievements and was the first to make her pride known without fail (often with a happy shriek and clap of the hands). Pat inspired the family she built to explore academia and the passions that made them happiest, which often involved helping others. She was always willing to offer support for the sole benefit of those she loved. Even after a life full of achievements, Pat would excel in baking, set new standards in bridge and Skip-Bo and learn the art of pilates. Although often stressed by the idea, Pat loved to entertain family with a spread of cheeses and an array of meats. The amusement was either Pat carrying the tune of "You are my Sunshine," or encouraging her grandchildren to show-off their musical talents. Her famous chocolate and peanut butter chip cookies were like no other and remain unmatched to this day. They were often the showcase of family gatherings and the highlight of the many beach trips she took her grandchildren on. "Only eight cookies each!" she would say. Pat’s most recent - and notable - feat was winning five hands in a row of Skip-Bo. A standing family record. Pat will be remembered as a vivacious, singing and dancing icon who defeated the odds all the while demonstrating strength and humbleness until her very last day. And, as the woman who took whatever secret magic was added to those famous cookies to rest with her. You are our sunshine, forever and always. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at McAdam’s Funeral Home from 1 – 2 pm. A Memorial Service will immediately follow in J.A. McAdam Memorial Chapel at 2 pm, with Rev. Bob Jones officiating. Due to current provincial regulations, proof of vaccination and government issued identification will be required for entry to the visitation and service. For those unable to attend the service, a live stream will be available at the following link: https://vimeo.com/653433364 . For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Forest Hill United Church or Hospice House.