The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board has experienced a great loss and is deeply saddened today by the passing of long-time board member, Trustee Shirley Patterson. Trustee Patterson died after a heart procedure this weekend.
Representing the Township of Asphodel-Norwood, Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, and Municipality of Trent Hills, she was currently serving her third term as Trustee, and was first elected in 2010.
“It is hard for me to convey how strongly, both personally and as a Board member, we will miss Shirley Patterson in our community. Her passing, however, is an even greater loss for our students, and especially those students and schools within her constituency. They have lost the most passionate, devoted and tireless advocate that they could ever have wished for. Shirley took the greatest pride in highlighting student and staff successes at our Board table, and the passion and joy of our students shone through in all her work. I truly believe their laughter and joy enriched Shirley’s life, as she has enriched ours,” says Diane Lloyd, Chairperson of the Board. “Our thoughts, prayers and sincerest condolences are extended to Shirley’s family during this time of grief.”
Trustee Patterson served on countless Board committees throughout her three terms. A strong supporter of all board students, she was a particularly dedicated champion of students with special needs, and a staunch advocate of the Board’s efforts to foster student and staff mental wellness in particular.
“Shirley’s passion and singular commitment was to ensure that each and every student in our care had success placed within their grasp. Her care and compassion for all people – not just our students and staff, but everyone who came into contact with her – was a singular quality of Shirley’s. She was incredibly kindhearted and joyful in all that she accomplished. To know her, was for her to count you as a friend. We all miss her greatly already,” says Jennifer Leclerc, Director of Education.
Flags will be lowered at all Board schools and facilities to honour Trustee Patterson.
Shirley Patterson is survived by her husband Pat, and their family, including many adored grandchildren.
Family, friends and colleagues are invited to attend the visitation at Havelock United Church, 10 Ontario Street on Wednesday, January 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9p.m. Funeral service to be held at Havelock United Church on Thursday, January 23 at 2 p.m. In memory of Shirley, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Campbellford Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.
(Press release from KPRDSB)
