O’Brien, Patricia Lillian (nee: Dinney)
On April 21, 2021, Patricia Lillian O’Brien passed away peacefully at the age of 77 years. Pat was born in Edmonton, the daughter of Hollis William and Lillian Charlotte (nee: Langley) Dinney. Most of her childhood was spent in Saskatchewan. She attended Sion Academy in Saskatoon, moving back to Edmonton with her parents in 1960, where she completed grade XII at St. Joseph’s High School. She received her B.Ed.(English) and B.A. (Classics) degrees from the University of Alberta, and took a Bachelor of Theology at Newman College. She taught in the Edmonton Catholic School system for three years as well as one year in 1967-68 enjoying Montreal and Expo ’67 while serving as an exchange teacher with the Montreal School Board. Pat and her husband Al were engaged in October 1967 while visiting friends in Jonquiere, Quebec and were married in June 1968 in Edmonton, where they made their home until moving to the family farm in the Lunnford/Leighton district in 2002.
She was active in her church, serving on the Edmonton Archdiocesan Ecumenical Commission from 1972 to 1975, and the Archdiocesan Liturgy Commission from 1977 to 1986. She also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Archdiocesan Council for Women from 1987 to 1989 and as Registrar of Newman Theological College for three years from 1988 to 1990. Pat was a dedicated community volunteer, active in post-secondary education and immigration services through her professional and volunteer work with Newman and St. Stephen’s Colleges and as Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Language Assessment Referral and Counselling Centre in Edmonton. She was involved in health education and ethical issues as Director of Education and member of the Board of Directors of the Catholic Health Care Association of Alberta. She worked tirelessly in the social service field, both as a volunteer teacher of English to new Canadian immigrants and as a long-serving board member and Chair of Catholic Social Services and Catholic Charities. In November 2002 she received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of her volunteer service.
Following her move to Barrhead, Pat was for several years an active supporter of the Friends of the Barrhead Public Library while continuing to serve as Chair of Catholic Charities in Edmonton. Apart from her love of books (particularly those of P.G. Wodehouse), Pat loved travel, art, music, theatre and a good party. She was an amateur water-colourist, potter and, at least at Christmas time and St. Patrick’s, pianist. She and Al also spent many happy days and weeks over the more than 35 years they spent cruising the West Coast in their power boats Erin Belle, Moonshadow, and Erin Belle II. They also enjoyed seeking out new golf courses during their travels, and of course vineyards as well as Cathedrals and museums.
Pat will be remembered by her loving husband of 52 years Allison; nephews, Vincent Craig and Sean Dinney; nieces, Heather Dinney and Lauren Vallie, and many relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her mother and father, and brothers Derrick and John Dinney.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Kent Bernes and the nursing staff at the Barrhead Healthcare Centre as well as Dr. McCall and nursing staff of Unit 21 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for their kindness and support of Patricia while she was in their care.
A Private Funeral Mass will be Celebrated in Edmonton with Reverend Don MacDonald, OFM presiding. Once COVID restrictions allow gatherings, a Celebration of Patricia’s life will be announced. Memorial donations may be made to the Barrhead Public Library, 5103 -53 Ave, Barrhead, AB T7N 1N9, the Franciscan Fathers of Western Canada, St. Francis Friary, 8106 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5H 3S1; St. Anne’s Parish, 5210 50 St, Barrhead, AB T7N 1A4 or a charity of your choice.
To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home,
Downtown Chapel
(780) 422-2222
