CLAYTON, Patricia (Pat)
December 15, 1927 - August 1, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved mum, Pat Clayton, on August 1, 2020, at the age of 92. Pat was predeceased by her husband, Bruce Clayton, second husband, Harold Rowbottom, daughter, Kim Clayton, daughter-in-law, Bessie Virdi, and great granddaughter, Emercyn Hornby. Pat will be lovingly remembered by her brother, Terry Dexter (Sheila); her children, Rosalie Pedersen (Charles), Roger (Margaret), Lorna Clayton-Belyk (Chris); her son-in-law, Tony Muszynski (Kim); her grandchildren, Michael Pedersen, Mark Pedersen, Hayley Dion, Joseph Hornby, Hannah Muszynski, Alex Muszynski; her great grandchildren, Kaja, Evan, Asia, Weston, Jace, Claire, Austin and Cohen; Harold’s son Henry and daughter Isobel, as well as Pat’s much cherished extended family, and Edna Crook, her special lifelong friend.
Born Patricia Mary McLeavy to Frank and Margie Dexter in Didsbury, AB, and raised on the family farm near Garfield, AB, Pat loved school and was an excellent student, skipping both grade 1 and 6. She attended high school in Calgary, living with her special aunt and mentor, Dolly McLeavy. She went on to become a teacher, first in a one room school near Edson, AB and then in Airdrie, AB, where she met her future husband, Bruce Clayton. Retiring from teaching to become a “farm wife”, Pat was always busy cooking, cleaning, sewing, canning, gardening, driving truck during harvest, being a great mum, and subbing at school when she could. She loved the Dogpound Stampede, Airdrie Parade, camping, family holidays to Penticton or the Shuswap, visits to Sundre for special family dinners, and extended family gatherings at the Clayton Coulee. Pat proudly called Airdrie her home for 75 years, first arriving in 1945. She was very involved in the community as a member of the Community Club, Eastern Star, UCW, the Over 50 Club and Meals on Wheels.
Pat loved to travel, visiting Peru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Europe, Australia, Hawaii and Russia. She and Bruce also enjoyed many winters in Arizona. Pat and Bruce moved from the farm to Airdrie in 1975. Bruce passed away in 1987 and a few years later Pat met and married Harold Rowbottom. She and Harold had over 20 years of fun and adventure ice fishing, playing crib, dancing, and travelling Alberta in their camper van. They also spent several winters in Florida.
Mum possessed the rare quality of “Grace”, always speaking to the good in others. She was highly intelligent and valued a well-rounded education for her children. She was hardworking, kind, and a proper lady, yet was not above participating in a family game of scrub baseball on our large lawn at the farm. She was always supportive and gave sage advice. And she knew every nursery rhyme, proverb, and old saying there ever was!
The family wishes to thank the staff at AgeCare Midnapore in Calgary for the excellent care they gave Mum during her stay there.
Due to Covid-19, a celebration of Pat’s life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers and to honor her, please consider a donation in her name to the Airdrie and District Agricultural Society. www.airdrieagsociety.com/about-us/history
