Patricia Anne Hurdle

We can all giggle as we recall shrieks out of the blue, memories of sunbathing, sundown rum drinks that usher in flamboyant feasts that could easily erupt into dance. Her joie de vivre was infectious. Regal, irreverent, graceful, noisy, so mischievous. Dealt with her anxieties honestly and bravely. With sad hearts we announce that on May 7th, 2020 at 11:11AM, Patricia Anne Hurdle went into the light under her flower moon. She died bravely while holding hands with her two sons, Alex (Arianthi) & Sean (Krista) Gallagher. She was born Feb. 14th, 1946 in Montreal to Margaret née Brewer, decd & Harold (Helen) Hurdle, decd, the eldest of three sisters; Susan, decd (Dave) & Elizabeth (Morris). Aunt to Phillip (Angeline & Katie) & Sara, Ethan, Devon & Vincent. Ama to Alexa & Sofia, and Macsun.
Graduated Lachine HS '63 & McGill ‘67. CUSO volunteer ‘67-'69 in Bogota. Sailed from Cartagena to Barcelona in '69 & in ‘73 she became Cuban country director for CUSO and married David Gallagher in Havana.
Pat played a vital leadership role at CUSO for more than two decades, focused on the Caribbean, where she built strong bonds of solidarity with women's groups and popular forces when independence and liberation movements were emergent. In the process, she helped shape a new, more respectful and equal relationship between CUSO and partners - and between Canada and a changing world. Her work was recognized with a Governor General's Award in 1990. She found purpose while boldly adventuring and shone light as a social justice maverick.
In 1986 Pat embarked on a path toward spiritual bliss in her never ending quest for beauty. She learned and taught Yoga. An eminent and BELOVED member in the Yasodhara Ashram in Kootenay Bay, BC, Canada. Donations can be made in her name (yasodhara.org) & a Magnolia tree has been planted in her honour next to the Temple of Light. In 2000 she learned Music-Thanatology in Missoula, Montana where she learned to play the Harp and to sing. Pat made forever friends wherever she spent time.
After surviving breast cancer for 22 years, she developed MND. Patricia is a trailblazer in her choice to use MAiD. She combined her; spiritual practices, community, friends & family to make a most lovely departure where she said "see you later". We have so much gratitude for the grace that surrounds such a beautiful woman in her time to bid farewell to everyone that has felt her love and strength. Her beautiful circle of support will live on for many years to come. More celebrations of her life to be announced, especially one in Ottawa.
She lays to rest in the Green Burial Ground at Royal Oak Burial Park in Victoria, BC.
"Be Peaceful. Be Kind. Do Good." Pat Hurdle to her sons May 7th, 2020.