It is with heavy hearts and sorrow the family announce the passing of Patricia (Pat) Buzas (Connolly) on October 30th, 2018 at the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst, N.B. with her husband Alfons (Al) and son Michel by her side.
Born in Bathurst, 86 years ago, Pat was the youngest daughter of the late Joseph and Nelda (Clifford) Connolly. Surviving Pat are her husband Al of 56 years, son Michael (Anne) of Bathurst, two grandchildren, Michelle and James Riley and sister Eleanor Delicaet of Saint John. She was predeceased by sister Noreen and brothers Donald, Gerald and William.
Pat spent her formative years in Bathurst and after graduating from high school attended St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, N.S. from which she graduated with a BSc degree in dietetics. After a year’s internship at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal Pat returned to Bathurst as a dietitian at the local Hotel Dieu Hospital. Following a brief stay in Bathurst Pat assumed the position of dietitian at the Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester N.Y. and later moved to the Brockville General Hospital in Ontario in the same capacity. Pat’s next move was back to Bathurst to become the dietitian for the Hotel Dieu Hospital. This was a fortuitous move since this is where she met her future husband. Following marriage Pat worked briefly for N.B. Social Services and then became exclusive dietitian for our family.
Especially important to Pat was family and nothing gave her more pleasure than being with Michael and Anne and especially the grandchildren Michelle and Riley. She always looked forward to extended family gatherings where the nieces and nephews joined the old folks on special holiday occasions. A particularly enjoyable time was spending summers at the Youghall Beach cottage with all the relatives close by and being able to visit back and forth and join for evening meals together.
Pat loved travelling and she and her husband were fortunate enough to travel throughout much of Canada and the U.S. and to many other countries. Winters were usually spent in Florida which became almost a second home. Pat was passionate about golf and particularly loved playing at Gowan Brae where she was a long-standing member as well as director and ladies club president. In the off season she was an avid bridge player, playing at the local Curling Club weekly and in between those sessions with a group of very special lady friends. Pat was also very proud of her Irish ancestry and was a member of the Irish Canadian Cultural Association of New Brunswick of many years.
Also important to Pat was her faith and she attended Sacred Heart Cathedral for most of her life and was a long-time member of the CWL. She was a warm, strong willed, compassionate, loving person who took in stride whatever adversity life brought. She will be sorely missed by her family and the many nieces and nephews that were so dear to her heart. Although Pat is no longer with us memories and our love of her will endure forever.
According to Pat’s wishes there will be no visitation at the funeral home. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 9th at 2 p.m. from Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Donations in memory of Pat may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst.
