(December 11, 1930 – February 8, 2025)
Pat White (nee Matchett) passed February 8, 2025, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. Predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Dr. T. Gordon White. Survived by her six children, Susan, Diana (Stephen), Ted (Dawn), Nancy, Fred, Linda, 14 grandchildren, Becky, Sara, Laura, Andrew, Brittney, Victoria, Brianna, Courtney, Jac, Vladie, Gordie, Lynsey, Zack, Zoё, and her 12 great-grandchildren.
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, to Dr. Roger and Hilda Matchett, Pat grew up in the Kingsway area of Toronto, where at an early age, she became a proficient tennis player and developed a love of the game. She played well into her eighties, often competing in tournaments, and proudly displaying her trophies in her home.
Gord and Pat met at the University of Toronto, while attending a dance. They married on February 28, 1951, and moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. In the early days of marriage, Pat furthered her teaching career, working as an Occasional Teacher, often called in to act as “Principal relief”. She was an active volunteer in the community, having served as the president of various ladies’ auxiliaries and as the president of The May Court Clubs of Canada, a charitable women’s organization.
Pat graduated in 1970 from Lake Superior State College with a Bachelor of Arts in History, achieving high honours, and was nominated for the 1969-70 “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.”
In Pat’s later years, she enjoyed a career as Office Manager in Gord’s dental practice.
Pat and Gord left “The Soo” during their retirement and lived in many locales throughout southern Ontario. After Gord’s passing, Pat lived in both London and Whitby.
Pat and Gord were “Snowbirds”, enjoying active living in Florida since 1976. Firstly, at Maple Leaf Estates in Port Charlotte Florida, where Pat was a member of the Can-Am club and volunteered as president, and later at “The Villages, Florida,” where Pat continued to reside after Gord’s passing. She enjoyed bike riding, concerts, tennis, pickleball and lawn bowling.
Always a sports enthusiast, when Pat wasn’t participating, she was watching her favourite teams on TV, following the Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, and tennis.
Pat loved to travel, having visited over ninety countries throughout her life. She enjoyed researching trips and bringing home unique souvenirs. She also loved all types of music, and enjoyed singing and dancing, especially to Elvis tunes.
During Pat’s final years, she overcame her fear of dogs and looked forward to visits from her best friend Maggie with whom she built a bond of love and trust. She often shared the story of meeting Maggie, when as a puppy, she jumped on Pat’s lap and looked up at her as if to say, “what are you afraid of?” They became besties forever.
A private memorial service will be held at the end of June 2025 at Cloudslee Cemetery in Bruce Mines, where Pat will be interred alongside Gord. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario would be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to Beggs Funeral Home.