Hartlen, Patricia Jane 'Pat' (nee Medd)
April 17, 1943 – July 5, 2026
Patricia ‘Pat’ passed peacefully in Collingwood on Sunday July 5, 2026, with family by her side, after bravely living with dementia in recent years.
Pat is predeceased by her husband Ron, and was the loving mother of Rebecca and Graeme (Chloe Stewart) and adoring Grammy of Emily and Alex Wood and Brody, Ryder and Chase Hartlen.
Pat was known for her exceptional memory, her love of caring for family and friends, her endless energy put toward volunteering, her passion for the outdoors (and the colour green!), and her love of choral music.
Born and raised in Toronto, Pat attended St. Clement’s School, where she excelled academically and was appointed Head Girl in her final year. She went on to the University of Toronto, earning a BA in Modern Languages and Literatures. It was at U of T that she met Ron. The couple married in Toronto in 1965. After relocating to Nova Scotia, Pat obtained her Teacher’s Certificate and taught at Dartmouth High School for several years. Her background in languages contributed to her love of cryptic crosswords and her keen eye for grammar.
The couple returned to Toronto where they raised their family. Pat stayed home with her two children and was a devoted mother. She loved all things homemade, including clothing, décor, and of course, food. Her salads with avocado and homemade dressing, her blueberry pancakes and her cookies were particular favourites.
Volunteer work was a thread that wove through Pat’s life. She volunteered in every community she lived in, at her children’s schools, as an official at competitive canoe and kayak events, and at various charitable organizations. Most recently, she was an active volunteer at the Beaver Valley Outreach for many years.
Her physical strength was admirable, and she particularly enjoyed cycling, kayaking and walking. Pat was the driving force behind the years of skiing the family enjoyed at the Toronto Ski Club through the 1970s and 80s. She also loved spending time outside working in her beautiful gardens and instilled this love of the outdoors in her children and grandchildren. Her physical strength remained through most of her journey with dementia and she continued to enjoy walking, both outside and inside Pretty River Residence.
Pat’s beautiful smile, unmistakeable dimples and infectious laugh will be greatly missed by all.
The family is most grateful for the compassionate care Pat received from the staff at Pretty River Retirement Residence, the palliative team at Saint Elizabeth Health Care, and her caregiver Michele.
A celebration of Pat’s life will occur at a later date.
As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Beaver Valley Outreach would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
On behalf of my family, our heartfelt condolences and sympathy are extended to Rebecca and Graeme Hartlen and families. May Patricia rest in peace eternally.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
A beautiful tribute to the Pat I knew so well and loved so dearly. My sincere condolences to all the family. We will miss her every day. May she Rest In Peace.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Beautifully written obituary. What a wonderful legacy of your beautiful family. Deepest condolences.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
That’s a beautiful story. You and your family have my sincere condolences!
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Pat and I along with Linda Jewell were undergrads at University of Toronto in the early 1960s when we were all friends and worked in the summers at the Dept. of Education. I thought of Pat as a good friend with a great sense of humour and intelligence, We went our separate ways when I went off to law school some 63 years ago but I never forget Pat or our friendship.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Please accept the McCormack family’s condolences. I was a childhood friend of Pat’s daughter, Rebecca, and because of that bond, I share so many fond memories of Pat. Our family is sending love and strength to Rebecca, Graeme and families.
Thursday, July 9, 2026
Sending our deepest condolences and love to Rebecca and Graeme and their families.
What a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend to so many. Pat will always be loved missed, and remembered by all the Wardalls in Cape Town
Friday, July 10, 2026
I was just thinking of Ron and Pat a few days ago, and how much I miss them. They were enthusiastic members of our community choir, driving every week from Thornbury to Owen Sound for practices, usually with others in the car. They both touched many lives, and will be fondly remembered and missed. Sincere condolences to your family.
Friday, July 10, 2026
I remember Pat and Ron fondly from their time singing in Owen Sound with great enthusiasm and joy. Always helpful and kind. Lives well lived!
Friday, July 10, 2026
My memories of Pat and Ron are with Louise Jarvis’s community choir in Owen Sound. Ron found out that I was a fan of bluegrass music and invited me to their house in Thornbury so that we could practise – me on banjo and Ron on guitar. Pat would smile supportively and serve cookies and a drink. We thoroughly enjoyed our years in the choir and I often think of them as I pass their old street in Thornbury. Sincere condolences to the family as we’re left with all the nice memories.
Jim
Friday, July 10, 2026
We wish to offer our condolences, Rebecca, to you and your family on the loss of your mother and grandmother. She was a very talented woman and it seems she led a busy, active life, until she was no longer able to enjoy these activities. May you find peace in those memories.
Sincerely,
Wes and Fionnuala Sparling
Friday, July 10, 2026
I met Pat and Ron when I was a member of Louise Jarvis’s OSing choir in Owen Sound. They were the sweetest couple…so supportive of each other. It was very rare for them to miss a practice no matter how bad the weather was.
They were also “regulars” at choir during Covid when we met on Zoom. They were always upbeat and loving.
Their dedication to the choir and each other will remain in my memory forever.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Pat was my first kindergarten Mom at Bedford Park School To. She was always willing to bake goodies, go on field trips, work fun raisers and help whenever needed. To my own kids she was their grade 13 French tutor often called Mommy Patlen by them. In retirement our friendship continued. Thanks for all the good times Pat. You will be missed by many friends. Hugs to Rebecca,Graeme and families.