Patricia Parks (nee Holden)

Patricia Parks (nee Holden)

Surrounded by her family, Patricia passed away peacefully at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice in Kanata on September 13, 2026, at the age of 97.

Born in Deal, Kent, England, to Thomas and Gertrude Holden (Caplan), Pat was a woman of remarkable resilience, independent spirit, and a wonderfully stubborn wit. Having lived through the Battle of Britain, she and her new husband, Ernie, made the courageous decision to emigrate to Canada. Together with their young daughter, Jacqueline, they embarked on a life of adventure, travelling the world through Ernie’s service with the Canadian Armed Forces and, in later years, with External Affairs Canada.

Pat had a lifetime of stories to tell and loved reminiscing about the many places she had seen and called home. Turkey, Germany, Cuba, India, and countries throughout Europe were among the places that became part of her remarkable life. Her memories of those years were filled with adventure, fascinating people, and experiences she carried with her always.

She was the beloved wife of the late Ernest Thomas Parks, and the devoted mother of Jacqueline (and her former husband, Mitch Sidwell). She adored her grandchildren, Trevor (Natasha) and Devon, and found immense happiness in her three great-grandchildren, Arabella, Grayson, and Theodore Patrick. They brought a very special joy to her later years.

Pat will be deeply missed by her family, including her granddaughter-in-law, Natasha, and by her English family, especially her beloved sister-in-law, Phyllis Humphrey, and her nieces, Terri Cheeseman and Gillian Bidmead.

The family wishes to express their deepest and heartfelt gratitude to the palliative care teams and compassionate volunteers at Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice, as well as to her dedicated caregivers at the Southbridge Long-term Carehome in Kemptville, specially Terri. Their kindness and care ensured that Pat's final days were lived with dignity, comfort, and peace.

In keeping with Pat’s wishes, a private family celebration of her life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice.

Pat lived a long and extraordinary life—one marked by courage, adventure, family, and an abundance of stories. She will be remembered with love.