February 19, 2021
February 19, 2021
I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Family. Please be assured of my prayers for Patricia and the family.
This memorial website was created in memory of Patricia McMillan, who passed away on February 4, 2021. We will love her and remember her forever.
At home, surrounded by her loving family, Patricia Florence was peacefully called to God on February 4th, 2021.
Predeceased by her parents Roy Monaghan and Mona (Berthel). Patricia was a devoted wife to Randall Charles for 45 years. Patricia was loving mother to Gregory (Emma), Nadine, Nicholas, Shawna-Maria (Travis), Benjamin (Megan), Anthony (Kym), Lukas, Brendan, Augustine and Julianna. Pat was an adoring grandmother to Logan, Liam, Finn, Noah, Mary Claire, Fiona, Jack and Declan.
A heartfelt appreciation to all of Patricia’s brothers and sisters Mary Jane Stinson (Lyle), Kathleen Monaghan, Dorothy Smith (Erin), Rose Mary Hopewell, Joanne Watson (Zachary), Roy Monaghan, Kevin Monaghan and Fr. Gerard Monaghan for their immense generosity and support. Patricia will be missed by twenty- one nieces and nephews.
At home, surrounded by her loving family, Patricia Florence was peacefully called to God on February 4th, 2021.
Predeceased by her parents Roy Monaghan and Mona (Berthel). Patricia was a devoted wife to Randall Charles for 45 years. Patricia was loving mother to Gregory (Emma), Nadine, Nicholas, Shawna-Maria (Travis), Benjamin (Megan), Anthony (Kym), Lukas, Brendan, Augustine and Julianna. Pat was an adoring grandmother to Logan, Liam, Finn, Noah, Mary Claire, Fiona, Jack and Declan.
A heartfelt appreciation to all of Patricia’s brothers and sisters Mary Jane Stinson (Lyle), Kathleen Monaghan, Dorothy Smith (Erin), Rose Mary Hopewell, Joanne Watson (Zachary), Roy Monaghan, Kevin Monaghan and Fr. Gerard Monaghan for their immense generosity and support. Patricia will be missed by twenty- one nieces and nephews.
Due to Covid 19 restrictions, the visitation and wake will be private for family on Feb 17th at Hope Cemetery Chapel in Ottawa from 2-4pm. The funeral mass to celebrate Patricia’s life will be held on February 18th at 2:30pm at St Patrick’s Basilica parish in Ottawa. Before the funeral mass, from 1:30- 2:30pm, there will be a rosary in the Church with Patricia and her family. A memorial mass and burial will take place for Patricia in the spring. Pat was an avid gardener and loved flowers. Fresh flowers or potted flowers can be sent to the visitation at Hope Cemetery Chapel in Ottawa for February 17, 2021. Patricia’s Catholic faith was especially important in her life. Donations can be sent to St Patrick’s Basilica for a mass for Patricia’s soul to accounts@basilica.ca.
Updated information about the services and how to send flowers can be found here:
https://obituaries.basicfunerals.ca/obituary/Patri...
https://obituaries.basicfunerals.ca/obituary/Patri...
Tributes
Leave a tribute
February 17, 2021
February 17, 2021
My sincere condolences to all the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You have gain another beautiful Angel. Lots of courage and take good care.
Sincerely,
Lise-Anne Berthel
Sincerely,
Lise-Anne Berthel
February 16, 2021
February 16, 2021
I want to offer deep sympathy to all of Pat's family on seeing in the newspaper the news of her passing. I knew Pat through Cumberland Women's Institute. Pat joined the W. I. in 1980 when you were living in Orleans. She was a wonderful addition to our group. A lively, generous , enthusiastic member she was until 1993-94, when she moved away. She was President from 1985-87, and Secretary from 1998-90. She was an active member on all fronts, a kind and well-rooted person. I have read her life story here and marvel at the fullness and faith of it all. Thanks be to God for the life of Pat McMillan. From Elaine Findlay in Russell, Ontario.
February 13, 2021
February 13, 2021
It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of a great neighbour, friend, mom and above all just a amazing person, our thoughts and prayers go out to Randy and the kids. Pat and I wish to pass on our deepest condolences to the entire McMillan/Monaghan family may she rest in peace
February 12, 2021
February 12, 2021
To the entire McMillan/Monaghan Family,
I know the Monaghan family from growing up in South March in the 1960's and 1970's. They are a wonderful family and I got to know Patricia through the South March 4-H group. She was my 4-H leader for many years and I remember her enthusiasm, great smile, big beautiful eyes, and the fact that she made learning fun. I was a young teenager and the 4-H program with leadership under Patricia helped to form me as an adult. I went on to become a 4-H leader and was presented a quilt by Mona from the South March Women's Institute. I have wonderful memories of Patricia and the impact she had on many young girls in South March.
I last saw Patricia at St. Thomas church in Stittsville on the occasion of a baptism. We had a great discussion about family and it was very apparent of her love for her family and the love for her church and God.
Sympathy to you all at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Mary Attwell
Stittsville
I know the Monaghan family from growing up in South March in the 1960's and 1970's. They are a wonderful family and I got to know Patricia through the South March 4-H group. She was my 4-H leader for many years and I remember her enthusiasm, great smile, big beautiful eyes, and the fact that she made learning fun. I was a young teenager and the 4-H program with leadership under Patricia helped to form me as an adult. I went on to become a 4-H leader and was presented a quilt by Mona from the South March Women's Institute. I have wonderful memories of Patricia and the impact she had on many young girls in South March.
I last saw Patricia at St. Thomas church in Stittsville on the occasion of a baptism. We had a great discussion about family and it was very apparent of her love for her family and the love for her church and God.
Sympathy to you all at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Mary Attwell
Stittsville
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
February 19, 2021
February 19, 2021
I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Family. Please be assured of my prayers for Patricia and the family.
February 17, 2021
February 17, 2021
My sincere condolences to all the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You have gain another beautiful Angel. Lots of courage and take good care.
Sincerely,
Lise-Anne Berthel
Sincerely,
Lise-Anne Berthel
February 16, 2021
February 16, 2021
I want to offer deep sympathy to all of Pat's family on seeing in the newspaper the news of her passing. I knew Pat through Cumberland Women's Institute. Pat joined the W. I. in 1980 when you were living in Orleans. She was a wonderful addition to our group. A lively, generous , enthusiastic member she was until 1993-94, when she moved away. She was President from 1985-87, and Secretary from 1998-90. She was an active member on all fronts, a kind and well-rooted person. I have read her life story here and marvel at the fullness and faith of it all. Thanks be to God for the life of Pat McMillan. From Elaine Findlay in Russell, Ontario.
Gallery
Pat and her daughter, Nadine
Pat and Randy with their kids Nick, Greg and Nadine at the McMillans
Pat's brothers, sisters, children, nieces, nephews
Mom with Luke and Brendan in the NICU
Mom and her Twins
Mom with her three oldest, Greg, Nadine & Nick
Her Life
A Life of Love : Growing Up on the Farm
February 8, 2021
Written by Shawna
On a cold winter Canadian day in 1955 a little baby girl was born, Patricia Florence Monaghan to her loving parents Roy and Mona. Her three older sisters, Jane, Dorothy and Kathy were excited for their new dolly to play with. Two more sisters, Rose and Joanne as well as 3 brothers, Kevin, Roy and Gerry would fill the small farmhouse their dad had built for them.
Growing up on the farm, as it would be referred to by dozens of nieces, nephews, grandkids and great grandkids, was surely hard work weaved with loving childhood memories. Pat would recount sneaking down to the dungeon like basement on Christmas Eve in search of presents and would carefully take the tape and staples off each gift to see what was inside only to wrap them up perfectly after her sleuthing. The true joy of those times, were found around the kitchen table, a small rectangle with a bench to fit everyone just cozy. A roast in the oven with fresh vegetables from the garden, ended with some blueberry buckle
Randy and Pat
February 8, 2021
Pat would eventually bring home boyfriend Randy, a city slicker from a small family who quickly became enamored by the loving chaos of the Monaghan gang. It didn’t take him any time to marry Pat and begin their own adventure.
The Six Kids
February 8, 2021
Living in Orleans with six spirited children, all close in age, that time was much about coordinating sport practices, baseball tournaments, 4H meetings, and of course, Sundays at the farm. Always. The precious time with siblings and 30 cousins. Aunt Patty had a way of making each of her nieces and nephews feel like they were her favorite. Playing football with uncle Roy, chasing after stray cats, or playing make believe on “the rocks” was the perfect sense of home that left an indelible mark on everyone.
Recent stories
Your song was beautiful, Mom.
February 14, 2021
Sing, sing a song
Sing out loud, sing out strong
Sing of good things not bad
Sing of happy not sad
Sing, sing a song
Make it simple to last your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear
Just sing, sing a song
This song, made famous by The Carpenters back in the 70’s was one of my Mom’s favorites. It was her go-to lullaby for calming us down as children and getting us to fall asleep. But it wasn’t until sitting down to put together these words and reflecting on my Mom’s life that I grasped some of its hidden meaning. My wife, Megan, likes to say that my Mom would “speak in poems”. Meaning my Mom had a habit of using very soft and roundabout words to deliver deep and meaningful advice or to deliver her strong opinion on something. But you would have to think about what she said for a while to get the full meaning. The same holds true with the words of this song and with my Mom’s life.
My Mom was not shy of showing her emotions when it was warranted, but on the whole, she was probably the most joyful person you could ever meet. Always focusing on the good and happy things in life, never on the bad or sad things. She lived her life according to a specific set of priorities; “God” first, “Family” second, and “herself” last. This was pretty obvious to anyone that had the pleasure to know her. When faced with bad or sad things in life, she would just put those things in God’s hands, release the outcome, and then continue focusing the good in life, knowing that God was taking care of things in His own way and in His own time. There is even a little sign in my parents’ house that says, “Good morning, this is God. I’ll be taking care of all your problems today. You’re welcome.”
My Mom absolutely lived her life to the full, while always making the things that she loved and that gave her the most joy her priority: her faith, her husband, and her family. And most of the time those things went hand in hand, like going to mass as a family (most of the time at St. Pats), saying the rosary every night before bed as a family (even when most of us were sprawled out on the bed or the couch half asleep), and subtly teaching us the treasures of our Catholic faith by humming or singing various church songs throughout the day while doing things around the house. That was the soundtrack of our youth.
Mom, thank you for your beautiful life long example of being a spouse, a mother, and a friend. You touched so many lives both in the Ottawa area and in all of the various pit stops that you made along the way; including West Virginia, Georgia, and Indiana. Every time you spoke with me, you made me feel like I was the most important person in the world and I am sure that many people would say the same. I know that you are now enjoying what you believed would be your reward for fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith. We love you and we will never forget you.
I do want to take minute to say thank you specifically to my Dad (Randy), my sisters (Nadine and Julianna), and my brothers (Greg, Lukas, Augustine, and Brendan), who really gave of themselves over the last 5 years to give my Mom the time that she needed to fight this fight, and ultimately make it peacefully to her eternal home. I also want to thank those in my extended family that gave of their time, talent, and treasure to help my Mom, my Dad, and me and my siblings through this difficult time and for all of the prayers poured out on my Mom’s behalf.
And on behalf of my Dad (Randy), and the rest of our family: Greg and Emma, Nadine, Nick, Shawna and Travis, myself and Megan, Anthony and Kym, Luke, Gus, Brendan, Julianna, and all of the Grandkids; I want to thank you all for taking time in the last couple of days to honor and celebrate the beautiful life of my Mom, Patricia McMillan.
Sing out loud, sing out strong
Sing of good things not bad
Sing of happy not sad
Sing, sing a song
Make it simple to last your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear
Just sing, sing a song
This song, made famous by The Carpenters back in the 70’s was one of my Mom’s favorites. It was her go-to lullaby for calming us down as children and getting us to fall asleep. But it wasn’t until sitting down to put together these words and reflecting on my Mom’s life that I grasped some of its hidden meaning. My wife, Megan, likes to say that my Mom would “speak in poems”. Meaning my Mom had a habit of using very soft and roundabout words to deliver deep and meaningful advice or to deliver her strong opinion on something. But you would have to think about what she said for a while to get the full meaning. The same holds true with the words of this song and with my Mom’s life.
My Mom was not shy of showing her emotions when it was warranted, but on the whole, she was probably the most joyful person you could ever meet. Always focusing on the good and happy things in life, never on the bad or sad things. She lived her life according to a specific set of priorities; “God” first, “Family” second, and “herself” last. This was pretty obvious to anyone that had the pleasure to know her. When faced with bad or sad things in life, she would just put those things in God’s hands, release the outcome, and then continue focusing the good in life, knowing that God was taking care of things in His own way and in His own time. There is even a little sign in my parents’ house that says, “Good morning, this is God. I’ll be taking care of all your problems today. You’re welcome.”
My Mom absolutely lived her life to the full, while always making the things that she loved and that gave her the most joy her priority: her faith, her husband, and her family. And most of the time those things went hand in hand, like going to mass as a family (most of the time at St. Pats), saying the rosary every night before bed as a family (even when most of us were sprawled out on the bed or the couch half asleep), and subtly teaching us the treasures of our Catholic faith by humming or singing various church songs throughout the day while doing things around the house. That was the soundtrack of our youth.
Mom, thank you for your beautiful life long example of being a spouse, a mother, and a friend. You touched so many lives both in the Ottawa area and in all of the various pit stops that you made along the way; including West Virginia, Georgia, and Indiana. Every time you spoke with me, you made me feel like I was the most important person in the world and I am sure that many people would say the same. I know that you are now enjoying what you believed would be your reward for fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith. We love you and we will never forget you.
I do want to take minute to say thank you specifically to my Dad (Randy), my sisters (Nadine and Julianna), and my brothers (Greg, Lukas, Augustine, and Brendan), who really gave of themselves over the last 5 years to give my Mom the time that she needed to fight this fight, and ultimately make it peacefully to her eternal home. I also want to thank those in my extended family that gave of their time, talent, and treasure to help my Mom, my Dad, and me and my siblings through this difficult time and for all of the prayers poured out on my Mom’s behalf.
And on behalf of my Dad (Randy), and the rest of our family: Greg and Emma, Nadine, Nick, Shawna and Travis, myself and Megan, Anthony and Kym, Luke, Gus, Brendan, Julianna, and all of the Grandkids; I want to thank you all for taking time in the last couple of days to honor and celebrate the beautiful life of my Mom, Patricia McMillan.
February 10, 2021
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
In my heart’s experience, as a niece in the Monaghan family, every Aunt is a second mother and every uncle a second father. Monaghan cousins felt love and belonging always.
Aunt Pat had a way of greeting her nieces and nephews in a manner unmatched. Whether only a week since seeing her at the farm the prior Sunday, months of being gone away to school or married and moved away and returned home the greeting was the same— once she saw you, you were the most important person on the globe standing before her.
First, her eyes would light up followed by an enormous smile and her sweet and joyful voice would call out your first and middle name. Her cheeks warm and soft would touch your face and she would kiss your cheek while hugging you close. Monaghan Aunts are tiny little thangs, bending down to give Aunt Pat a big hug always made me smile and I was always so amazed how that tiny soft body radiated powerful love that warmed your blood and filled your heart with new vigor.
Second to the loving-presence-joyful-greeting Monaghan Aunt hug is the Monaghan Aunt timing and phrasing of questions, the kind that make you say in your mind while keeping a poker face, “What! How does she KNOW this?!”
Aunt Pat had the ability to ask you how you were truly doing and gently talk about what was really important in your heart. Even in my adult life, from 3000 miles away, she would call and check in during the most timely moments of life.
Either standing and doing the dishes with Aunt Pat, cooking or baking, taking walks to the park, driving in the car, or sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, she made time to talk about what was important.
I don’t remember everything Aunt Pat said, or did but I will always remember how she made me feel: Angela Catherine I see you, I hear you, you are important to me, I love you.
I’m honored to share common childhood experiences and memories of our precious Aunt Pat with all the many Monaghan cousins.
Observing her love and engage with each of us uniquely and then watch her show the same attention to our own children really is a treasured experience to share.
May Aunt Pat’s warmth, love and attention for others live on in us as her nieces and nephews.
My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Uncle Randy, the ten McMillan Children, their spouses and grandchildren, all of Aunt Pat’s sisters, brother-in-laws and brothers, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Second to the loving-presence-joyful-greeting Monaghan Aunt hug is the Monaghan Aunt timing and phrasing of questions, the kind that make you say in your mind while keeping a poker face, “What! How does she KNOW this?!”
Aunt Pat had the ability to ask you how you were truly doing and gently talk about what was really important in your heart. Even in my adult life, from 3000 miles away, she would call and check in during the most timely moments of life.
Either standing and doing the dishes with Aunt Pat, cooking or baking, taking walks to the park, driving in the car, or sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, she made time to talk about what was important.
I don’t remember everything Aunt Pat said, or did but I will always remember how she made me feel: Angela Catherine I see you, I hear you, you are important to me, I love you.
I’m honored to share common childhood experiences and memories of our precious Aunt Pat with all the many Monaghan cousins.
Observing her love and engage with each of us uniquely and then watch her show the same attention to our own children really is a treasured experience to share.
May Aunt Pat’s warmth, love and attention for others live on in us as her nieces and nephews.
My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Uncle Randy, the ten McMillan Children, their spouses and grandchildren, all of Aunt Pat’s sisters, brother-in-laws and brothers, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Our Aunt Pat
February 11, 2021
I've been trying to think for days about what to write about my aunt Pat.
And I've really been speechless because how do you describe someone that meant so much to you with words. It's like how some say that saying I love you isn't enough, because everyone uses the word love, and that's how I've been feeling trying to find the words to say about my aunt Pat.
She was a mother to 10, yet still made her 426 nieces and nephews, as wild as they were feel loved like they were her own. We all knew she would do anything for us, and did do anything she could so we knew how special we were, and so she knew we were happy.
There are so many times I'll never forget, and can't expect everyone to read a novel (ask me about my favourite answer she ever gave me to a question for a good laugh), but to put into perspective how she was, everytime I visited her, I felt at home. Randeezy was the one always busting my chops for.... Well that's a novel in itself to try to name them all... But the reason they were the perfect pair, is how much they love their family isn't just a fact but something they always showed everyday (Uncle Randy showed it a little differently, but you knew it was out of love lol).
From Cracker Barrel, to Chick-fil-A runs, to the constant hugs, to the "you got this Rilester," every minute you were around her, you knew you were so loved.
Then when it comes down to it, the easiest way to put it into words how much she meant, when the word love doesn't feel enough, as Shawn already mentioned was again something we learned from what our aunt Pat always told us. "I see you." She did see us. All of us through and through and loved every bit of us.
I can still hear her words & see her pointing her finger to me
"I see you Rilester"
Until I see you again Aunt Pat. I see you.
And I've really been speechless because how do you describe someone that meant so much to you with words. It's like how some say that saying I love you isn't enough, because everyone uses the word love, and that's how I've been feeling trying to find the words to say about my aunt Pat.
She was a mother to 10, yet still made her 426 nieces and nephews, as wild as they were feel loved like they were her own. We all knew she would do anything for us, and did do anything she could so we knew how special we were, and so she knew we were happy.
There are so many times I'll never forget, and can't expect everyone to read a novel (ask me about my favourite answer she ever gave me to a question for a good laugh), but to put into perspective how she was, everytime I visited her, I felt at home. Randeezy was the one always busting my chops for.... Well that's a novel in itself to try to name them all... But the reason they were the perfect pair, is how much they love their family isn't just a fact but something they always showed everyday (Uncle Randy showed it a little differently, but you knew it was out of love lol).
From Cracker Barrel, to Chick-fil-A runs, to the constant hugs, to the "you got this Rilester," every minute you were around her, you knew you were so loved.
Then when it comes down to it, the easiest way to put it into words how much she meant, when the word love doesn't feel enough, as Shawn already mentioned was again something we learned from what our aunt Pat always told us. "I see you." She did see us. All of us through and through and loved every bit of us.
I can still hear her words & see her pointing her finger to me
"I see you Rilester"
Until I see you again Aunt Pat. I see you.