Obituary of Patricia Joyce Cruse

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, Patricia Joyce Cruse (née Goldstone) at Fairview Home on Tuesday March 15, 2016 where she had resided for more than three years. Pat was born in Brandon on March 24th, 1928 to Albert and Maude (née Creighton), the 9th of their 12 children. Pat was, first and foremost, a mother and grandmother. Her happiest times were whenever she was doing something with or for others. She was an excellent baker, known for her muffins, pies, biscuits and chocolate truffles. All five grandchildren and their classmates enjoyed the truffles that Pat, "the truffle lady", made for them for special occasions. An avid reader, she especially loved reading mystery and detective novels as well as any books about Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family. Pat enjoyed many hours in her yard, maintaining her expansive flower and perennial gardens and observing the feathered friends that the birdfeeders attracted. Pat was predeceased by her parents, as well as brothers Albert, Joe, Vincent, Stewart and Bill Goldstone. She was predeceased by sisters Norma McDonald, Evelyn Leaming, Grace MacKay and Barbara Henson. Left to cherish Pat's memory are her daughter Laurie (Tom) Burns, son Stuart (Lisa) Cruse and daughter Erin (Kevin) Deg. She leaves behind grandchildren Susan (Harbinder) Benning, Andrea Deg (Conrad Winter), Heather Deg, Geoffrey Cruse and Allison Cruse (Adam Klonowski) as well as great-granddaughter Annika Benning. She is survived by sister Thelma Young of Calgary, sister Kay Wolfe and husband Mel, sister-in-law Claire Goldstone and by her dear friend and honourary sister, Hilda Barr. Pat leaves as well an extensive network of nieces, nephews and friends. A celebration of Pat's life will be held at Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street on Wednesday, April 27th at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Joe Ball officiating. Donations in Pat's memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 4B-457 9th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 1K2, the C.N.I.B. 354-10th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4G1 or a charity of your choice.