Pansy (Pat) Avlena Bauer
Pat was born in a humble home in Matawatchan, Ontario, to Angelina (Annie) and Basil Thomson. She was the eldest of eleven siblings, all of whom she loved dearly. At birth she was named Pansy, though she later chose to go by Pat, a name she created from her own initials.
At the age of sixteen, Pat left home to work in Ottawa as a federal government clerk. At twenty-one, she married Arthur (Art) Bauer and embraced life as a devoted military wife. Together, they created homes and memories in Ottawa, Ontario; Belgium; Cold Lake, Alberta; and Greenwood, Nova Scotia; before eventually settling in Edmonton.
Pat and Art raised three children, creating a close-knit and loving family that grew to include eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
She had a love of travel and was fortunate to see much of Europe, visit every Canadian province except Newfoundland, and enjoy numerous cruises in both the Caribbean and Pacific. Despite her many adventures, her favourite trips were always the two weeks she spent each summer back at the family homestead in Matawatchan.
No remembrance of Pat would be complete without mentioning her legendary "stink eye", a look so powerful it could stop anyone in their tracks. Those who received it never forgot it, and those who knew her best understood it was just one small part of her unforgettable presence.
She will be dearly missed.
Pat is predeceased by husband Art; grandson Danny; brothers Cecil, Merle, Stewart; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
She is survived by children Ron (Debbie), Ange (Antoine), Mike (Nancy); grandchildren Nicole, Stacey, Krista (Joel), Anatol (Chris), Brittany (Travis), Ryan (Jill), Claire (Corrie), Alex, Colin, Sam (Zach); great-grandchildren Kasey, Isaac, Eve, Jonas, Simon, Noam, Eben, Glory May, Abraham, Solomon, Gideon, Nathan, Hazel; siblings Violet, Fern (George), Joan, Sylvia, Daryl, Cheryl (Tony), Keith; sisters-in-law Helene, Marion, Lorraine; and an uncountable number of nieces and nephews.
As part of the broad family network living in BC, I had the opportunity to meet Pat on several occasions. I always felt very comfortable chatting with her, and enjoyed her company. I can attest to having witnessed the ‘stink eye’ once and thankfully not directed at me! My mom and dad really got on well with Pat and Art, enjoying many a meal, and a drink, together during visits. My deepest condolences to Ron, Ange, Mike, grandchildren and great grandchildren at the loss of your beloved mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be missed very much.
Pat’s obituary reflects her life and personality beautifully. Mark and I, and I’m sure the rest of the family, have missed seeing her the last few years when “The Girls” came for their summer reunion at the farm house in Matawatchan. It was always fun sitting on the porch with a glass of wine, talking and laughing. I never saw the stink eye, but I can guess what it would have been like with those piercing blue eyes. She will be missed.
The Thomson family will miss Aunt Pat tremendously. I will remember her as a kind woman, who had a great smile and was always so happy to see her nieces and nephews when she came back home, frequently dropping by our house in Ottawa. My mother, Violet Derouin (Pat’s sister), always looked forward to seeing her; especially at the “Girls Weekends” in Matawatchan. As life went on and I had children of my own, Aunt Pat was perhaps even more thrilled to see my two daughers Emily and Kennedy. They were always greeted with warms smiles and hugs. We will miss you Pat. Condolences to Angela, Ron and Mike. I know the weeks and months ahead will be difficult but I hope there will be smiles too as you think back on some great memories. Much love, Jodey, Shannon, Emily and Kennedy