Our beloved Patti passed away on Dec 29 from cancer after a grueling and heroic fight to overcome her illness. She prevailed far beyond any normal expectations by her courage and will to live for her family. She is survived by the children she loved so boundlessly, Lucas, 18 and Carli 13, by her parents Ron and Lorraine Jakimchuk, her sister Lyn Jakimchuk and brother Richard Jakimchuk, and by her grandmother Field.
Patti was born in Edmonton almost 44 years ago, and has lived on the Saanich Peninsula since 1977. She graduated from Parklands High School and subsequently took training as a medical secretary, and in accounting. She was a founder of Island Medical billing Services, and was employed as an accountant for many years by Renewable Resources Consulting Services. Subsequently, she was a founding principal of “Just Joeys” restaurant in Brentwood. At the time her illness struck she was an employee of the Liquor Control Branch working in Sidney and Brentwood Bay. The latter positions enabled her to meet a broad segment of the community. Few could resist her warm and friendly smile and personality and people who met her were soon her caring friends.
Patti was loved deeply by her family and a host of friends in the community. She enjoyed music, going to concerts and was a keen sports fan- especially of American football and even traveled to Pittsburgh last year to see her favorite “Steelers” play. Patti had the experience of travel early in life, accompanying her parents to Russia, France, Finland and England. In recent years there were family trips to the Caribbean and Maui which included parents siblings and children and grandchildren.
Patti’s life centered around family and she loved and supported her children without reservation. She was so proud of their accomplishments, and would excitedly say “tell Gramps what you got on your report card” when these came out. And she beamed at hearing the list of “A’s” that followed. No matter what the endeavor-sports or music, she was always involved and cheering her children on.
Patti has left our lives, but will never leave our hearts. A celebration of Patti’s life will be held at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney, in the Charlie White theater on Thursday Jan 6 at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Victoria Hospice.