Patricia Ludwick

Nov. 3, 1945 – May 15, 2021

We have lost a strong, vibrant and compassionate friend, defender and lover of our island community and our natural environment.

Diagnosed with ALS, Patsy chose MAiD and a green burial in a plot at the heart of our community cemetery. Many friends and neighbours gathered around her in her last days to support her in her journey, filled with grace and mystery.

A woman of many talents, Patsy gave herself wholeheartedly – in professional theatre; wordsmithing – playwright, poet, editor, teacher; library service -on Gabriola and Nanaimo. Then construction…..she built her own house! If helpful friends didn’t have the required skills, she learned them and shared. The house has sheltered her for nearly 30 years.

Patsy contributed to the community she cherished formally and informally: friends received unique hand crafted cards on special occasions; she supported Cats Alive, fostering many cats over many years; she was a longtime active member of Amnesty International, and a Hospice volunteer; she was instrumental in forming and building the Gabriola Tool Library.

Patsy was a keen swimmer and gentle beach comber, a generous host, and a playful soap bubble blower! She was a committed sangha member and dharma practitioner.

Patsy was the first of seven, the big sister to four sisters and two brothers (and she was a favourite aunt), all of whom are happy to have had her as part of the family and are proud of her achievements. She had an enquiring mind, an excellent memory and was a colourful and lively raconteur. She brought a greater good into our lives than she may have realized and has been a source of positive energy for so many others – she will be missed very much in both her community and family.

Her family would like to thank her wonderful, committed caregivers, health care team and the amazing circle of friends who supported her when they could not be with her due to COVID restrictions.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Patsy asked that people plant a tree in her memory.