MASSICOTTE, Mary Patricia, age 65, passed away September 30, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born August 24, 1955 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to Thomas and Mary Massicotte.
Patti loved everyone. She will always be remembered for her contagious laughter, her unending compassion and her drive to constantly take care of those around her. Perhaps the only thing she loved more than people, was food, and these two often went hand in hand as “family” dinners would often include anyone who needed a meal.
Patti was a pioneer in her field of pediatric thrombosis. During her career, she published over 200 papers, gave lectures around the world and contributed to life saving research. More importantly, Patti loved what she did. This was evident in every smile, every touch and every conversation she had, whether it be with patients or their families. She would never rest and poured her heart and soul into her craft – if you crossed paths with Patti, you knew just how much she cared.
Her life was one of beauty. Whether it was her favourite pair of shoes, a perfectly cooked steak or a simple moment with her children. Patti’s love for life was infectious. She loved lakes and landscapes from her childhood on Lake Superior, she loved music and would readily accompany her children to concerts dancing and singing along with the utmost enthusiasm. She loved her annual sister week. She loved her work, her colleagues, and her patients. She loved her family. Patti left the world a little better than when she found it.
Patti overcame countless health battles in her final few years. She was a fighter and never lost her ability to smile in the face darkness. There is a quote from Rilke’s poem “Go to the limits of your longing” that emanated with Patti during the last few months:
“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final”
Patti is survived by her sister and partner Kathi Rankin and Billy Wolowich; her sons Kyle and Liam Nolan; her daughters and their partners Lauren Nolan and Trent McHugh and Michaela Nolan and Patrick Belair; Cherished Aunty Pitsy to Justin and Jessica Rankin and Rowen Rankin-Lay and every person who ever shared a smile, a laugh or a meal with her. All of these she loved and touched deeply throughout her life.
The family has established a memorial scholarship, in Patti’s name, for a young woman pursuing a career in the field of medicine. If you would like to donate to this, please use the following link:
https://secureualberta.imodules.com/s/1664/phase2/index.aspx?sid=1664&gid=1&pgid=489&cid=1235&dids=625&bledit=1&sort=1&appealcode=06258