Patricia Marie Plummer

Lucky Me

I was so lucky throughout my life, and I want to tell you why.

My parents were very special, and both of them taught me a whole lot. They told me to work hard, always try to be kind, laugh a lot, and say your prayers!

My mom, Corinne Mullen (née Kelly), was a character for sure, with a great sense of humour, very elegant, and very outspoken, especially about advising me about things like the opposite sex, and their devious ways. She provided 100% support to my dad in all that he accomplished during his RCAF career, and she loved her grandchildren so much. Sadly, I lost her relatively early in my life.

My dad, John Mullen, was a hero to me in so many ways. His affinity for my son Rob, and his extra care for both of us while I was pursuing my career left an indelible imprint on both of our lives. Over the years, we became not just father and daughter, but good friends. I shared his love of our Catholic faith, and cherished our time together. I also had the privilege of sharing the many years of happiness Dad had with his wonderful second wife Sylvia.

Our family's RCAF adventures when I was young were magical. We traveled to many bases in Canada and the US, and then Germany and France where Dad became world famous (maybe a slight exaggeration) as a Squadron Leader and Wing Commander, and a mentor to so many young fighter pilots fresh out of RMC. He was admired and respected by so many.

While we were based in Europe, there were family holidays spent in Sitges, Spain in the summer, and Ehrwald, Austria in the winter, and visits to many other countries in between. I remember all of our family travels vividly to this day!

My late brother Pete and I were especially close when we were growing up. He even introduced me to some really good boyfriends over the years, but he always kept a close eye on me! I loved him dearly. I idolized my older sister Sally when I was young. She was so smart, pretty, and accomplished a lot. Sadly, we have lost touch in recent years. Theresa, our youngest sibling who had Down Syndrome, died when she was only 12. She was a beautiful, joyful person.

I have met so many wonderful people and made so many good friends - people I've known for a million years or just a few, including those who came into my life through my career - at Systemhouse, Jetform, United Way and The Ottawa Mission - and also outside of work. Here are just some of the people who enriched my life, whether they know it or not: Marilyn and Mike and the late Art, Debbie and Gary, all of the Parsons, Bob and Bernie, Fran, Andy, Carol, Pat H., the Grimshaws, Deanna, the late Brigitte, Lynne and Mike, Jane, the late June, Harry, Dave and the late Judy, Bill, John (Lou), Peter, Jeannine, Rosemary, the late JBK, Belinda, Michelina, Shirley, Sean, Jeremy, and Andrew. Oh, and Paul McCartney!

And then there's Rob. I can't imagine having a more perfect person to have shared my life with. From day one you filled my life with pure joy, lots of laughter, great conversations, great food, and excellent road trips - Lake Placid, PEI, New York City, Cape Breton, San Francisco, Quebec City, Tadoussac, Wes' Chips in Arnprior - and of course my favorite place on the planet, Lake Pem. Remember the good times, my son and friend - Rob the Grate, my Sweet Baboo! I am so proud of all you have achieved in your culinary career. Thank you for being there for me. Go Chiefs! And you couldn't be in better hands than with your soulmate, the beautiful, smart and kind Cynthia who has travelled (literally and figuratively) so many roads with you.

Thank you all for being in my life. Take care of one another and remember - always look on the bright side of life!