March 6, 1940 to January 11, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mom, Patricia “Pat” Thompson, who slipped away in her sleep on January 11, 2026, at the age of 85. Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister-in-law, stepsister, aunt, cousin, friend to many and cherished by all who knew her. Pat is survived by her children, Tracey (Dale) Ohler, Tony (Debbi) Thompson, Daryl (Arlene) Thompson, and Lisa (Roy) Johnson. Mom was blessed with nine grandchildren, Riley (Ainsley), Jonathan (Courtney), Quinn (Chris), Taylor (Jayson), Trinity, Erik (Lisa), Evan (Shelby), Alex and Kourtney, and 16 great grandchildren. Pat was predeceased by her soulmate and true love, Hugh, seven years ago this January. We take comfort in knowing they are reunited and together again. Pat was also predeceased by many she held close in her heart including her parents, Hilda and Richard, stepparents, Maurice and Evelyn, mother- and father-in-law, Walter and Marjorie, brother, Don, brother-in-law, Bob, sister-in-law, Lois, cherished granddaughter, Trinity and beloved great grandson, Colin. Pat is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marlene Dorsett, her stepsister, Karen Kirkland, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
The youngest child of Hilda (Hatton) and Richard Dorsett, and sister to Don, Pat spent her youth in Smiley, Saskatchewan, where she met the love of her life, Hugh. She and Hugh were married in 1959 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, beginning a life together rooted in love, partnership, and family. They spent their early marriage years in Estevan, Regina, Saskatoon and Lethbridge before their final move and settling in Claresholm, Alberta in the early 1970s.
A gifted vocalist from an early age, Pat had a lifelong love of music. She sang in many choirs, participated in community theatre, recorded her own album, and was often sought after to sing at funerals, offering comfort through her voice during life’s most tender moments. She also spent many years with the Claresholm Elementary School as a teacher’s assistant and later with the school division as the beloved “speech lady,” working closely with children in speech development – a role she cherished deeply. A woman of deep faith, Pat was a devoted member of the United Church congregation, serving for many years as church secretary and sitting on numerous boards to ensure the continued operation of the church.
The heart of our family, Mom was a steady voice of reason, a source of comfort, support and our family’s greatest cheerleader. Words cannot fully capture how she will be so deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her faith, kindness, music, and unwavering love for family, friends and community.
A Celebration of Pat’s Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Claresholm United Church (4803-2nd Street West, Claresholm).
Mom was an avid supporter and previous organizer of the local Terry Fox run. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Terry Fox Foundation.