April 12, 1943 – June 10, 2023
It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother Pat Rattai, on June 10, 2023 at Beausejour Hospital surrounded by her family.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband Richard of 58 years, her children Debbie (Rick) and Kevin (Wendy), and beloved grandchildren Torrie, Kaylee and Shaylyn Stefansson, Sheyanne Fletcher and Abby Rattai. As well, she leaves her sister Clara Matchizen, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She will also be missed by her cat Sam, whom she adored and doted upon.
She was predeceased by her parents William and Josephine Schultz (nee Przednowek), and siblings Katie Schultz, Joe Schultz, Adeline Marynewich, Richard Schultz, John Schultz, Steffie Gosselin, Joan Modjeski, and Rose Gmitroski.
Pat was born and raised on the family homestead in Cromwell, Manitoba, the 9th of 10 children. She attended high school in Thalberg Manitoba and graduated in 1961 from Beausejour High School. After graduation she moved to Winnipeg to live with her older sisters, and worked as a clerk for Manitoba Health. She and Richard started dating in 1961, and tied the knot in 1964. Their first home was in the Green Bay School basement living quarters, where Richard worked as a teacher in the upstairs classroom. Pat then also worked as a teacher at Rattray School. They soon started their family with the birth of Debbie and then Kevin a couple years later.
In 1967 they made the decision to take over Richard’s family farm, and they moved their new family onto the home farm property in Green Oak. They loved the farm and Pat embraced everything about the farming lifestyle. Not content with only taking care of all the household duties of cooking, laundry, cleaning, gardening, canning, freezing, cutting the huge farm property lawn, feeding and milking the cattle and the other various farm animals, taking food to the fields, and raising children, Pat also drove the grain trucks from field to bin and market, augured the grain into the bins, hauled the hay bales onto the trailer and into the barn loft, deep-tilled the fields driving the 4 wheel drive tractors, was part of the construction crew for the quansets and other farm buildings, and did literally every other physical job on the farm. She was often seen holding tools fixing this or that in the house, and on top of it all she was the farm operation’s bookkeeper and accountant. During these years on the farm they had countless gatherings in their home and on their yard, from Richard’s band practices, multiple farm organization meetings, barn dances, to family gatherings for birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, fund raising events, and everything else in between. It was a very busy place, and whether there were two people or a couple of hundred, Pat was always the welcoming hostess to all, serving food, coffee, and refreshments along with her quick wit and boundless sense of humour. Pat loved to laugh and she loved to entertain.
After 3 decades of farming, in 1997 Pat & Richard sold the farm and purchased a home on Pinawa Bay just northeast of Lac du Bonnet. Pat loved the outdoors, and after many years of fitting in short fishing and camping trips during the summer while farming, they now had the great outdoors right on their doorstep. They also now had young granddaughters, and much to their mutual delight, Debbie’s & Kevin’s families spent nearly every weekend at “Anna & Pa’s” place on the lake over the next 18 years. Even though officially retired from the farm, Pat loved to work, and she took on casual jobs at the Lac du Bonnet Dental Clinic, Tall Timber Lodge, and an at-home cooking business for the neighbours in the area. Most of all however, she absolutely relished all the time she had with her 5 granddaughters and ensured she spent every minute she could with them when they came over on the weekends and summer holidays.
In 2015 Pat & Richard moved back to Beausejour to be closer to health care resources and their family. Pat continued to entertain us with her quick and sometimes quirky humour, and she enjoyed many more special times with her children and grandchildren. Pat passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, at Beausejour Hospital on Saturday June 10.
Many thanks to the entire Health Care Team at Beausejour Hospital for their extraordinary care and compassion while Pat was in the hospital over the past 3 months. Very special thanks to Dr. Partyka & P.A. Vishnu for their excellent stewardship of Pat’s health care needs – you truly went above and beyond. Also a very special shout-out to Nurses Jackie (Pat’s great-niece) and Nicole, who went through the journey with us the last couple of days before Pat’s passing. Your deep care for Pat gave us great comfort, more than words can express.
A Memorial Service for Pat will be held on Saturday, June 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Avenue E., Beausejour with interment to follow in the Beausejour Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beausejour Food Bank.
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Cindy Modjeski
So sorry to learn of Aunt Pat’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting her aand Richard and when we spoke last week I told her I was looking forward to our next. Pat and Richard had such a great outlook, always optimistic. Enjoyed reminiscing and the many laughs. RIP dear Aunt.
Alf Chorney
Condolences to RICHARD and Family, May Patricia Rest in Peace….
Alf and Elizabeth (Smolinski) CHORNEY
Virginia Kubish
Sincere Condolences to Richard and his family upon the sudden passing of Pat. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. You will now have your very special Angel watching over you. May she Rest In Peace.
Gerrit & Eileen Boonstra
So sorry to read about Pat’s passing. In spite of the way she may have suffered with her illness she appeared the be very upbeat those times when either Eileen or I spoke to her, During this time of loss, should you find yourself somewhat lost, don’t hesitate to give me a call, or pay us a visit.
Patrick and Louise Lachance
Sorry for your loss. May She Rest In Peace Thinking of the past and what you guys put up with. We all were sure mischief. Thoughts are with you Richard and Family
Hilaire & Suzanne
So sorry to hear that Pat passed away. Our thoughts go to all the family, Richard, Debbie and Kevin. When I was staying at your place in 1976 with Canada World Youth, I coudn’t have lived with a better family. You have all been part of my life since then. RIP dear Pat. xxx
Mildred Schultz
My condolences to Richard and family, may she rest in peace.
Mildred Schultz
My condolences to Richard and family, may she rest in peace.
Hilaire Chiasson
So sorry to hear that Pat passed away. Our thoughts go to all the family, Richard, Debbie and Kevin. When I was staying at your place in 1976 with Canada World Youth, I coudn’t have lived with a better family. You have all been part of my life since then. RIP dear Pat. xxx
Robert lanoway
So sorry to hear this news! We pray God will be with you and your family through this difficult time. Love Robert and Virginia Lanoway
Jack and Toy Heemskerk-Rayer
We are incredibly saddened to learn of Pat’s passing. Such a warm and generous, truly kind woman! And a warrior too. So many good memories we have, from CAM meetings to our honeymoon trip across Europe. We wish Richard and Debbie and Kevin strength to cope with their loss. Love, Toy and Jack
Gerald Hawranik
Deepest Sympathy to Richard and family. May God Bless and comfort you. So sorry for your loss..
Lynn Fosty
So sad to hear. My condolences to Richard and family. Many good times were had and wonderful memories remain forever.
Lynn Fosty
So sad to hear. My condolences to Richard and family. Many good times were had and wonderful memories remain forever.
Georgina
Our condolences to Richard & Family. May you find peace & comfort on this difficult journey through your great loss. I have fond memories of Pat & her lovely smile from my Grade 12 class.
John & Georgina (Schiller) Klassen
Pamela Barr
So sorry for your loss Debbie…
Bill Tucker
Sincerest condolences for the loss of a wonderful woman. She obviously made a difference in the lives of those who knew her.
Dally Gutierrez
Sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. My sincerest condolences for you and your family at this time. Praying that God enfolds you with His love, peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
Jessica Lanchimba
My condolences to all the family. May you find peace and comfort in this difficult journey for your great loss.
Kirandeep Gill
I am amazed by this wonder woman after reading her obituary. My sincerest condolences to all the family! May she rest in peace!
Rod and lisa Struss
Lisa and I are both saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. Our condolences go out to our dear friend and best man at at our wedding Richard .
Sorry for your loss. To Kevin and Debbie we know your mom will be missed.
Stan & Dianne Kruk
Stan and i are saddened by the passing of Pat, a lovely Lady, Our condolences to you Richard, Debbie and family , Kevin and family. Pat and Richard were our neighbors just a walk across the field to the north. We have lovely memories of the events and visits to their farm. Pat has the most beautiful smile, she was my first friend when I moved to our farm. I/we will miss her dearly.
May the Lord guide you Richard and your family giving you all strength during this very sad time for your family May Pat rest in peace.
Dave Donahue
Sincere Condolences to Richard and his family. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Dawna Jones new Siemens
So sorry for your loss! Your mom was always welcoming and I have fond memories of her.
Orv Malcomson
Richard and Family: My deepest sympathy and condolences. Your old cousin in law and RCAF guy.
Moni Lawal
So sorry to hear about the passing away of your mom.
Praying for you and your family for strength and peace
Audrey Englot
Our sincere Condolences to Richard, Debbie, Kevin and families on the passing of Aunt Pat. .Many fond memories of growing up in Cromwell. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed.
Audrey Englot
Dear Richard, Debbie, Kevin and grandchildren, I was so saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. I always looked up to her growing up and have many fond memories of time
s on the farm in Cromwell.
Love to all of you.
Mel Zabrocki
My deepest sympathy on your loss of your wife, mother , grandmother , sister, aunt, and friend. I do not remember a time of my life when I did not know Pat ( in earliest times she was Patsy Schultz) . She was unfailingly cheerful, kind, and inclusive. I know all of will miss her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Irmina Umali
My deepest sympathies to you Debbie and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. ~ Irmina
Jeanette Gregg
Richard and family my deepest sympathy.
Tim
Debbie, family so sorry for the loss of your Mom.
She was always so nice to me.
Sincere condolence
Tim Warren
Gerald Graves
Richard and family. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your friend Gerald Graves
Veronica Dudych
My prayers go up to heaven for you, Richard, Debbie and Kevin and families. I know Pat was a lovely woman in many ways. May her soul rest in peace before the Heavenly Father’s glory.