Valerie Joan (MacDougall) Patterson

With broken hearts, we announce the death of Valerie Patterson, of Ross Ferry. 

Valerie Patterson was, quite simply, a force of nature. A cool salty wave on the Brasd’Or? A bright, spark-spitting backyard bonfire? A hurricane gale who’d tear the features right off your face if you weren’t careful? Yep. All of the above, and so much more. 

Countless kids in North Sydney and Boularderie have stories about their year (or years) spent under the wing of ‘Mrs. Patterson.’ Valerie taught grade primary at Saint Joseph’s Elementary in North Sydney for 20 years, then she finally ‘graded’ when she went on to teach grade six at Boularderie School until her retirement in 2008. Although she had two kids at home, in her heart and soul, Mrs P had more kids than you could shake a stick at. She was fiercely protective of ‘her kids’ and made sure they had educational experiences like no other — from stories told with her unforgettable theatrical flourish, to worm races, to ‘the look’ that meant you were in trouble! 

Following her retirement from teaching, Valerie put much of her time and talents into her community in “beautiful Downtown Ross Ferry.” She was a first responder as a founding member of the Ross Ferry Volunteer Fire Department; a firehall pub-night favourite, bringing her “Marg and Blanche” comedy skits to life with her best friend, Margie Carmicheal; and a frequent community correspondent on CBC radio’s Information Morning, where she was always delighted to report that she was “above the dirt” when asked how she was doing. Valerie could be counted on whenever someone needed food, or help. She made sure that every event at the firehall had a stocked bar, and that “if people went away hungry, it was their own fault”, and she raised money for people and projects that were near and dear to her heart. Because of Valerie’s efforts, families in her community had some financial burdens eased in hard times, people with disabilities in Nova Scotia got special supports, kids in far-away lands got safer cleft-palate surgeries, and a village in Uganda got a well. 

Despite the huge ripples of impact Valerie had on so many around her, the centre of her world was always her family. She stood behind her husband of 51 years, Fraser, her daughter, Amy, and her son, Neil, through thick and thin. As proud as she was of Fraser, Amy, and Neil, it was 

“Nanny’s Babies” Coco, Neela, and Mason, who were her greatest pride and joy in life. Her love and support for her grandchildren knew no bounds, and neither did her “bragging” about them. If every child could be as unconditionally adored as “Nanny’s Babies”, the world would be better for it. 

Valerie was predeceased by siblings Ben, Joyce, Harlold, Brian, Judy, and Holly, as well as her mother Blanche, whom she loved dearly, and her father Bernie, whom she did not.

She is survived by siblings Roxanne, Diane (Gary), Russel (Debbie), and Paul (Valerie), several nieces and nephews, many beloved friends, neighbours, and colleagues, as well as husband, Fraser, children Amy (Matt) and Neil, and grandchildren Coco, Neela, and Mason. 

Visitation will take place at J.M Jobes Funeral Home on Friday, March 13th from 12-2pm. A drop-in celebration of Valerie’s life will take place at the Big Bras d'Or Fire Hall between 5 and 9 pm on the same day. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ross Ferry Stewardship Society, the Haley Street Society, or a good deed done to someone in need of a little love and kindness to help them “buck up.”

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