Obituary of William Stewart Patricia Katherine Robertson

ROBERTSON, WILLIAM “BILL” STEWART Mar. 7, 1919 – Oct. 10, 2013 ROBERTSON, PATRICIA KATHERINE (HAYES) Mar. 7, 1924 – Oct.10, 2013 In their life together they shared the same birthday, many happy memories, and 68 years of marriage. In death, through the kindness of the DECH staff, they shared the same hospital room as they struggled through their brief illnesses and left this life on the same day, albeit a few hours apart. Together they shared their lives with their 3 children, Anne Robertson, Ian Robertson (Marilyn DeMerchant) and Kathy Beaton (Bruce) all of Fredericton and 2 grandchildren, Michael Beaton of Kitchener, Ontario and Kristine Beaton of Fredericton, as well as several nieces and nephews. Bill was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia to William Alexander and Mabel (Perry) Robertson. His energies propelled him to excel in baseball and hockey and on to Devon to his soon-to-be wife and work as manager of a munitions factory and officer training during WWII (Carleton-York Regiment), followed by employment as assistant paymaster at the Tobique Dam, manager of National Shoe Store, Fredericton City Councillor (1956-1959) and municipal and provincial property tax assessor. Bill directed the construction of his house, raised a family, battled the weeds in his large garden and made wine from every fruit he grew. St. Anthony’s Church was important, attending mass, serving as lector, altar “boy”, parish councillor, church dinner worker and long-time bingo caller. He was a competitive bowler, “gentleman” hockey player and ticket-seller at STU and UNB hockey games, and served on the board of York Manor. Bill is survived by his sisters, Isobel Roy of New Glasgow, NS and Myrna Hardiman (Jack) of Halifax, NS and was predeceased by his brother, Alex. Patricia was born in Fredericton (Devon), New Brunswick to Leo and Loretta (McGivney) Hayes. Prior to her marriage, she worked in the war effort at the munitions factory where she met her husband-to-be, Bill and as a bookkeeper until the birth of her children. She was a homemaker in the most literal sense of the word, helping to design the only house of her married life. As the family grew, rooms were finished, colours and furnishings coordinated and details added, the grounds adorned with self-planted cedar hedges and flower gardens. She introduced her children to spelling, reading and arithmetic prior to formal schooling, was an excellent seamstress and knitter and maintained a lifelong interest in equestrian events. St. Anthony’s Church played a central role, with Patricia teaching Sunday school, establishing a clothing bank, serving as sacristan and participating on the CWL executive. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Patricia was predeceased by sisters Frances Hayes and Joan Sterns and survived by sisters Mary Hayes (Fredericton) and Edith MacKay (Sillery, PQ). Together Patricia and Bill were devoted to their family, faith, community and each other. Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home on Monday, October 14 from 2-4 and 7-9. Their funeral mass will be held at St. Anthony's Church at 11 AM, Tuesday, October 15. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Fund or the Chalmers Hospital Foundation or charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com