Patricia Gaete

August 12, 1949 – May 31, 2015

Patricia (Pat) was an amazing woman who touched many lives with her wonderful smile, words of wisdom and generous spirit.  She was born in Sewell Chile, to her surviving parents, Maria Lucila Rojas and Manuel Angel Gomez.  Pat attended the University of Chile to become a special education teacher.  She spent two years teaching in Chile during which time she married Carlos A. Gaete, and had their son Marco in 1971. Pat and her family of three first went to Argentina and then immigrated to Canada in 1976. Two years later, once settled in Victoria, daughter Paulina was born.  Pat loved being a mother but she also wanted to refocus on teaching. While working at Victor School, she met a wonderful autistic boy who she took in and raised as her own. Since 1985 Michael Ware has been an integral member of the family.

Pat was an inspiring teacher, mentor, colleague and friend. If you knew Pat, you loved her.  If she knew you, she loved you.  George Jay Elementary became her school and community of choice; she worked there for the majority of her career until she retired in June 2012.   Pat made every student feel capable and loveable.  She stayed in touch with former staff members, students and families.  She will forever be in their minds and hearts.

While Pat found refuge at her ocean view home in Sooke, she was passionate about traveling.  She went to twenty countries and fell in love with Las Peñitas, Nicaragua. Pat and her partner Christopher (Chris) Packard, purchased a vacation home there which they enjoyed in recent years.

Pat appreciated

New faces, unique places,

Rhythm and song – all things artistic belong.

Bright colours and flowers,

Great views from mountains and towers.

The smile from a child

Warm scented breezes so mild.

Pat appreciated

Long walks on the beach,

While dreaming the dream

Of what next to reach.

Pat cherished being a mother to her three children; she was a ‘mother’ to many of Marco and Paulina’s friends as well.  She celebrated her last Christmas with Chris, Marco, Paulina, Michael, mother Lucila, brother Claudio (Marion, Savannah, Samantha) and friends; she felt blessed with the love, laughter and delicious food!  Thinking about family reminded Pat about her brothers Miguel and Roberto still living in Chile.  It would have been nice to see them and their families again, but she said her good-byes in prayer.  Pat took comfort with several pet companions during her lifetime.  Her most recent dog, Jack, a beautiful chocolate lab, took Pat on restorative walks and helped her prepare for her final journey.

With Paulina by her side, Pat approached each day of treatment with courage, beauty and grace. These two women forged a bond beyond words and a love that will be everlasting.  Paulina was Pat’s devoted advocate and Marco was Pat’s guarded warrior.  Pat needed family and friends to help her bear the burdens of the lymphoma.  On May 31, 2015, she needed them again to help her surrender to its toll.

The family wishes to thank all of the health care professionals in Vancouver’s BMT unit, and Victoria for their expertise in providing Pat’s treatment and care.

There will be a private family service as Pat did not want a formal memorial.  She thought a celebration with family and friends in August would be perfect.  An announcement will be posted on this website as soon as plans are confirmed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BC Cancer Agency for Lymphoma Research, 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, B.C.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home

www.mccallbros.com