Patricia Alvestad
JUNE 4, 1944 – FEBRUARY 13, 2022
On Feb 13, 2022, at Lake of the Woods District Hospital, we unexpectedly said goodbye to Patricia Elizabeth Alvestad. Mother, sister, grandma and friend to so many. Pat was born in Manchester England on June 4, 1944. Her parents George and Mollie moved to Wpg, Manitoba when Pat was 3. Pat spent her early school years at Windsor school in St. Vital, and later attended Glenlawn Collegiate where she excelled as an honour student. It was there that she became the head cheerleader and met her future husband, then basketball star, Dennis Alvestad. Together they had 3 children; Anne, Dennis and Michael. Grandchildren Joel, Leah, Emily and Anders followed.
Pat worked at Ducks Unlimited in Winnipeg before moving to Brandon where she worked in the registrar's office at Brandon University. She was highly respected by students and co-workers who enjoyed her sense of humour and valued her resourcefulness and organization during many convocations. It was not long after Pat settled in Brandon, that her mum, Mollie also relocated to Brandon and became her neighbour. Pat treasured the supportive relationship that they were able to have living so close to each other. Brandon was a special place for Pat; she met many lifelong friends, and Brandon enabled Pat to pursue her passion for horses. She would spend early mornings and evenings at the barn where she cared not only for her horse Mitch, but also for others that boarded with her. When Pat retired from Brandon University she moved to Kenora to be close to her sons and grandchildren. Pat embraced her new life in Kenora, making more lifelong friends and enjoying time with her family.
Wanting to keep busy, and following her charitable ways, Pat began working at the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation. The traits that made her so indispensable at Brandon University became invaluable to the foundation as well.
Pat was her boy’s biggest fan, cheering them on at track meets and sports games; a tradition she continued with her grandchildren when she moved to Kenora. Other Grandma traditions included: famous peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, Easter egg decorating, pre-Christmas shopping trips, and shopping for candy to later be eaten on the pontoon boat during the Kenora fireworks. One of Pat's proudest moments was when she became a Canadian citizen in 2006. Pat also cherished her daily morning phone calls with her brother Ian, where they solved the world’s problems.
Pat had a love for animals. She has had a menagerie of pets over the years, and has supported several animal welfare organizations. Pat leaves her sons, Dennis (Linda, Joel, Leah), and Michael (Dawn, Emily, Anders), both of Kenora; daughter Anne Johnson (Terry) and brother Ian Kellet, of Winnipeg. Also missing Pat, her companions Bella and Taggs. In Lieu of flowers, please support your local animal shelter or an animal charity in Pat’s memory.
Following Pat’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Alvestad family.