Obituary of Patricia Lynne Read

Patty Read of Calgary passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at the age of 54 years. Patty grew up in Edmonton and lived the last 19 years of her life in Calgary. Despite having kidney disease for 40 years Patty embraced life, her family and friends. Patty enjoyed many sports over the years and took great delight in beating her healthy friends at golf. Patty faced kidney disease with a positive, defiant attitude refusing to give in to her health challenges. Patty spent many years on dialysis and was fortunate to receive two kidney transplants. The second from her brother five years ago which gave her the freedom to travel and enjoy life without being tied to a machine. Patty was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Sept and despite a stubborn struggle not to give up eventually her body wore out but she gave it a spirited fight to the end. Patty was a volunteer with the Kidney Foundation. She established the Patty Read Open women’s golf tournament 15 years ago which raised money for the Patty Read Endowment. The Endowment provides funds for renal patients who may need assistance in dealing with financial challenges resulting from their illness. Patty was also a peer support volunteer for the Kidney Foundation, an organ donor proponent, and a March drive campaign worker. One of her favorite volunteer roles was speaking to students about kidney disease and the importance of organ donation. Patty will be missed by her large family and many friends who were so important to her throughout her life and who were always there to support her. Patty would like to thank her family, her friends and all the health and medical staff who helped her throughout the years. Particular thanks go to the Southern Alberta Renal Program, to Unit 37 – the Renal and Transplant Unit at the Foothills Hospital which looked after Patty so well in many difficult situations and where she developed such special friendships. Thanks as well to the Alberta Health Services Home Palliative Care Program staff and the staff at Agape Hospice who provided such compassionate care in the last weeks of her life. Gifts in Patty’s memory may be made to the Patty Read Endowment, c/o the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Southern Alberta Chapter, 6007-1A St SW, Calgary, 403-255-6108. A Celebration of Patty’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Tuesday, April, 21, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Patty Read, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.