Obituary of Patricia Rooks

Patricia Rooks was born in Bonnyville, Alberta on August 4th, 1938. Her body left this earth on December 2nd, 2010 in Edmonton, Alberta at the age 72. Her spirit will live forever with family and friends who shared their memories and stories at her Celebration of Life Service in Lloydminster at the Grace United Church on December 9th. Officiated by Reverend Bob Aldrich, Pat was carried to her peaceful rest by her Pallbearers: Wade, Joel, Monty, Derek, Ben, Lyle and Jesse - sons and oldest grandsons. Granddaughter Mikaila performed a self composed solo, Daughter Kari sang "Eidelweiss" and music included Candle in the Wind, I Hope You Dance & Say What You Need To Say. The Family she nurtured will miss her dearly, her loving and devoted husband Joe Rooks along with their eight children and their families: Wade and Sherry, Joel and Doreen, Monty and Marcie, Tammy and Lorne, Kim and Wade, Mark and Alison, Kari and Randy, Derek and Kelly. Her thirteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her Mother, Eleanor Blakely and Brother Raymone Blakely both of Edmonton, Alberta survive her and many other close relatives. She was predeceased by her father Les Blakely. Her eulogy of memories and stories was written/read by the first grandbaby, Angela Rooks, read also by Randy Whelan, Kari Rooks-Whelan, and Kim Cooper. They shared her devotion and love for her family and her passion for spending time with family and friends at their cabin at Laurier Lake. We heard how much she loved watching her children and grandchildren grow and blossom into adults with their own families. She was fierce when it came to her family and loved nothing more than to create, love, cook, laugh with them and for them. Many moments were shared with how she encouraged and fought for them. She was born to be a Mom, wife, a nurturer and care for others. She was a real hockey Mom, even to other kids on the team. Committed to helping her community, she was a member of the Forester and Lion L's where she made most of her lifelong friends. She was a natural at what she did best, creating with her hands as a florist, seamstress, artist, gardener and made treasures out of anything. One important achievement was being an owner of Flowers 'N' Things Boutique with Avis Maxwell and enjoyed her work as a designer at Potpourri. Well known for being feisty, she had a huge spirit and a sense of humor to match, loved life and we laughed remembering many hilarious events which she either created or relished in with us. The Family would like to thank everyone that was involved in Pat's life, her friends who meant a lot to her, the Doctors and Nurses at the Cross Cancer Institute and the U of A Hospital for being so caring and compassionate to both Mom and Dad. Dr. du Plooy, Dr. Chapelski, the nurses at the Lloydminster Hospital, all of our friends who sent flowers, cards, food and the many phone calls - Thank you all. To the Ladies & Men's Forester Clubs and Haying in the 30's Cancer Support Society, Malaig, Alberta for helping out, the Ambulance Service who cared for her during trips to and from Edmonton. Thanks to the soloist Yvette Barnett and Pianist Irene Knowlson, and the Legacy Centre for serving the lunch. Interment will be held at the Marwayne Cemetery in the summer of 2011. Special thanks to the McCaw family and staff for caring so much about Pat and for your patience in making sure we got it just right! Most of all, thanks to our children and their families for all their love, help and support. We thank everyone for sharing in and caring about Pat's life. Donations in her Memory may be made to the Cross Cancer Institute or the Lloydminster Regional Health Foundation. Joe Rooks & Family Eleanor Blakely Raymone Blakely & Family