Patricia Duncan

The family of Patricia Noel Duncan were by her side when she passed away Monday February 13, 2023 at the age of 93. Noel was the loving Mom of Heather Duncan (Marc Perrier) Rick Duncan (Laurel Landy) and Lisa Duncan (Brian Wallace) and the beloved Nana to her treasured grandchildren, Gloria, Vanessa and Emmett Wallace and Taylor and Mackenna Duncan. She adored her brothers Meredith (Mac) McKim (Yvonne, deceased) and Ralph McKim (Jean Garsonnin) and was a cherished Aunt to many nieces and nephews spread around the world, whom she loved very much.

Nothing was more important to Noel than time with family, but she also shared her warmth, caring and consideration with neighbours, friends (shout out to Rachel Reid, the last standing member of “The Craft Group”) and wonderful colleagues in the nursing profession.

Noel raised her family on Sagebrush Lane in Don Mills. After a lengthy, fulfilling and impressive career as an operating room nurse at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Noel found her dream retirement cabin in the woods, in Jasper Ontario, where she enjoyed her land, her solitude and meandering the countryside for many years. An annual highlight was “Nana Camp” with midnight stargazing, nature walks, Neil Diamond and ice cream.

Noel was patient, kind, quiet and stubborn! If you believe in life after death, come back as one of Noel’s pets. Your best bet is as a dog or a cat; snakes need not apply.

We are grateful to Martha Kenny who helped us prolong the time Mom could live independently in her home, on the land that was so precious to her and near the neighbours who so kindly kept an eye out for her.

Noel instilled in each of us a duty to be giving of time and attention, thoughtfulness and decency. Even through late life struggles with health, we saw our Mom’s will and strength and charm. Our Mother exemplified empathy, courage, dedication and humanity in everything she did. Noel created lasting memories for everyone she touched throughout her life. She was famous for her Rice Krispie Squares!

If living a good life is measured by how many people someone helps to have a great life, then Noel set the bar for the rest of us.

Peace be with you Ma!

If anyone wishes to make a donation to honour our Mom, please consider: www.ottawariverkeeper.ca.

Family and friends will be invited to join us at a gathering in the spring for hugs and laughs.