Flora Elaine Patterson

Born December 28, 1930, in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Flora claimed she was not afraid to die as she had already done that. She contracted whooping cough as an infant, died, and was brought back to life. Over the course of her life Flora lived in 4 Provinces of Canada including Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario, as well as a brief time in the U.K., near London. She delighted in memories of her childhood in North Sydney, Cape Breton Is., Nova Scotia, with her parents and older sister, Ethel. Her father, Neil David Patterson, was a United Church minister. A favourite aunt was Aunt Nellie (Bell) who loved to laugh and had a big influence on Flora.

Flora attended McMaster University in Hamilton ON, earning a degree, in English and French studies. Later, Flora attended the University of Toronto and completed a master’s degree in library sciences. She moved to the U.K. to work but returned home when her sister died tragically in a car accident. She moved to Ottawa where she began a career at the National Library and worked her way up to a supervisory position. When she retired, she was advised she was known to be “firm, but fair”.

Flora had many treasured friendships, and she preferred smaller gatherings (often with a nip of Scotch). She loved to travel, visiting many countries around the world in her life. Birding was a favourite hobby, as well as reading, and listening to “really good music”.

Flora is survived by her nieces, Margaret Tribe (Eric), Laura Hutchison (Ken, deceased), Mary Shanks, nephew Daved Shanks (Jan), and all their children and grandchildren; as well as cousin, Keith Bell (Anne) and family.

The last years of her life were spent living with Mary in Willow Beach, where she continued to make new friends, many of whom call her Aunt Flora.

Drop-in visitation is to be held at a private location on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 2-4 pm. Call 905-806-2049 for details.

Private family interment will take place at the Belleville Cemetery, in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge, a local charity that provides assistance and hope to wild animals in distress: or to ABC Life Literacy Canada, promoting lifelong learning across Canada. Both animals and literacy were two of Flora’s passions.