Obituary of Thelma Rose Patterson

Thelma "Skip" Rose Patterson (nee Chapman) passed peacefully on February 23, 2022, in her 103rd year. She leaves behind to mourn her only surviving daughter Barb Roberts (John) of North Bay, son-in-law Tom Ullrich (Marylin deceased) of Toronto, grandsons Doug Ullrich (Brit) of Toronto, Kevin Roberts (Andre) of Winnipeg, Richard Ullrich of Toronto, and Yan Roberts (Sherry) of Nipissing. She will be missed by her three great grandsons, Sam (Winnipeg) and Thomas & Charlie (Toronto). She was known as Auntie Skip to her nieces and nephews Mary Jo (Gary) of B.C, Al (Fiona) Alberta, Paul (Avery) Manitoba, Diane (Dave), Mary Ellen (Craig), Al (Dorothy), Paul (Avery), Bruce (Roseanne) all in Ontario. 

Skip was predeceased by her husband Douglas (almost fifty three years to the day) and her daughter Marilyn, her brothers Carl Chapman (Jean) and Burton "Bud" Chapman (Muriel) and her niece Carol Chapman, a great nephew Brian Patterson, her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and many cousins and close friends. 

Thelma was born at Chapman's Landing in Nipissing, Ontario on November 14th, 1919. She was the middle child and only daughter of Herb and Bertha Chapman.  Growing up on her parents' farm she learned to swim at an early age and swam until she was 90. She graduated from St Joseph's School of Nursing in North Bay in the 1940's. She worked at St. Joseph's Hospital in various nursing positions until her retirement at the age of 65. During her retirement, she travelled many times to visit family in the west. She travelled with her brothers, painted folk art, wrote the history of St Joseph's Hospital in her 80's, cross-country skied, and learned how to play bridge. She was an Honorary Elder at Trinity United Church in North Bay. Skip was a fun and kind person who remained gracious to the end of her life. 

The family would like to give our thanks to all the staff at Cassellholme Nursing Home where she lived for the past four years for the wonderful care she had. Also for the kindness she showed our entire family.  A celebration of Thelma’s life will be held at the Martyn Funeral Home on Saturday March 12 at 11 am. There are no restrictions on attendance, however those in attendance are still required to wear a mask. A live stream of Thelma's celebration can be found on the Martyn Funeral Home Facebook page. If desired, donations to Trinity United Church would be appreciated.