Obituary of Patricia Elaine McNaughton
Obituary for Patricia Elaine McNaughton
November 2, 1947 - November 6, 2024
We are saddened to announce the passing of Patricia Elaine McNaughton (Ritchie) on Thursday, November 6, 2024, just 4 days after her 77th birthday. She is survived by Winston, her devoted husband of 54 years; her children, Kim (Scott) and Craig (Lisa); and her beloved grandson, Henry. She is also survived by her brothers Everton, Orville and Ewart; her sister Claire; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and their children. Patricia was predeceased by her parents, Ivy and Claudius.
Pat was born on November 2, 1947 in Top Hill, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, the eldest of 5 children. Growing up, Pat was a dedicated student, earning top marks at school and eventually studying to become a teacher at Church Teachers College. It was while she was doing her practice teaching in St. Ann that she met her future husband Winston, and they were married on September 29, 1970.
Upon her arrival in Canada in 1971, Pat successfully landed an entry-level position as a filing clerk working for Manulife Insurance Company during her very first job interview. Over the next 38 years, Pat worked her way up through the ranks as a loyal and valued employee of the company, eventually retiring from her role as a Senior Computer Systems Analyst in 2009.
After retirement, Pat enjoyed spending her time doing the things she loved most. This included reading, gardening and playing word puzzle games on her Kindle. She was particularly dedicated to volunteering many hours in a number of school libraries throughout the community, alternating her time between working alongside her daughter Kim supporting her in her role as a teacher-librarian, and closer to home at the library at Agnes Macphail P.S. where both of her children had attended elementary school from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Most recently, her favourite way to spend her time was in the company of her only grandson Henry, with whom she shared a close and special bond.
Pat will primarily be remembered for her generosity and giving nature, her devotion to her family, and her commitment to the betterment of others. Pat eagerly opened her home for holiday gatherings, and cherished every moment of time spent together with loved ones.
The family expresses gratitude to the staff at Markhaven Home for Seniors for their compassionate care of Pat, as well as the numerous doctors, nurses and support staff at Toronto Western Hospital and Scarborough Birchmount Hospital who provided critical treatment after her initial brain hemorrhage in May.
Visitation will be held at Ogden Funeral Home and her memorial service will be at Rosewood Church of the Nazarene. The visitation will be on Friday, November 15th from 5- 8 pm. The funeral service will be on Saturday, November 16th at 11 am, with visitation available from 10-11am. Pat will be laid to rest in her family burial plot in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on Saturday, November 30th.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Pat’s memory to the United Way, Canadian Red Cross, or The Scott Mission.
