GUTWALD, Patricia Anne
March 1, 1939 - December 23, 2014
Patricia Anne Gutwald, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2014. Pat, born Agnes Patricia Anne Fraser, was raised in the Strathcona area of Edmonton, Alberta. She was attending St. Mary’s High School when she met the love of her life, Ralph Gutwald. They were married in 1958 and have remained together ever since, recently celebrating 56 years of marriage. In 1963, they moved to Drumheller as they felt it was a good community to raise their growing family. They made this place their home and continued to live there until her passing. She is now reunited with her two children, Mark and Alyson, her parents, Helen and Ralph Fraser, and siblings, Jack and Shirley, who had predeceased her and were in God’s loving care. Pat loved to entertain and was renowned for her great parties, amazing cooking, and outstanding hospitality. She was also an adventurous soul. She and Ralph travelled to many parts of the world where they enjoyed exploring new cultures and mingling with the people. Pat was an artist and had an innate ability to visualize the possibilities, whether this creativity was expressed through her paintings, her interior decorating and design, or her gardening, which was her passion. She spent many hours lovingly tending her flowers and shrubs for the benefit of all to admire. Pat was inspiring. She was a woman of strong morals and convictions. She had boundless energy. She was happiest when she was being productive and moving towards some goal she had set for herself. When she made up her mind to do something, there was little that stopped her from achieving it. This commitment and work ethic was evident in the career path she took. She began working full-time at the Drumheller Penitentiary when her youngest child began school. Not content to stay in a secretarial role, she commuted back and forth to Calgary to attend University while continuing to work. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and after being promoted to successively higher administrative and managerial positions at the Drumheller Penitentiary, Pat’s professionalism, dedication, and competence was rewarded by an appointment to the National Parole Board in 1996. She remained in this prestigious position until her retirement. Following her retirement, Pat continued to live an active and fulfilling life. However, during this period of her life, she also experienced some major life challenges, namely the tragic and sudden deaths of two children, Alyson and Mark, as well as some health concerns. Similar to how she has always lived her life, she faced these tragedies and life challenges with strength, courage, dignity, and grace. Pat leaves behind her devoted and loving husband, Ralph. In addition to her husband, Pat is survived by her children Craig (Judy) Gutwald, Catherine (Pat) Bonneville, Shelley (Dale) Bergman, Licia (Steve) Pickup, daughter-in-law Dixie Gutwald, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren including Stephen, Tyler, Danielle (Jesse) and Parker, Candice (Jake) and Mason, Rachel, Tim, Matthew (Eve), Liam and Lucas, Joel (Monica), Colin (Lauren), Meghan (Tristan), Alyssa (Joel), Brenon (Nikkie), Liam and Jaime, and Juleya (Brett) and Liliana. Pat will live forever in the hearts and memories of her family and friends. We draw some comfort knowing she is once again with her children and family in heaven and treasure the special memories of the wonderful times we spent with her. A private family service is being held in her memory. The family wishes to extend their thanks and gratitude to everyone for their kind words of caring and support during this very difficult time. In remembrance of Pat and in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N2.
