Fulford, Patricia Marie

Patricia was born in Wiarton, Ontario, and spent her childhood in Tobermory. For her first eight years, her family lived in town in the house her father built on Carlton Street. They then moved out to a log cabin, which she fondly referred to as “the farm.” This very log cabin is now preserved and displayed at the Tobermory Museum. Patricia lived in Tobermory until she met Dawn Fulford while working at the Davies Hotel. With best man Douglas Fulford and matron of honour Marilyn Dean by their side, the couple married and hosted their reception in that same historic log cabin. They even captured a classic photograph of them cutting their wedding cake inside the cabin.

Though they moved a few times early on, they returned to live in her hometown of Tobermory in 1970. Years later, Patricia received a wonderful surprise. While crews were preparing the historic log cabin to be moved to the museum, they discovered her father’s long-lost ring and safely returned it to her.

Throughout her life, Patricia wore many titles with pride: daughter, granddaughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and a beloved aunt to many families. Gifted with a beautiful voice, she loved to sing, dance, and play the piano alongside several other instruments. She was truly the life of every party.

Like many mothers of her era, Patricia balanced family life with hard work. In Meaford, she worked at the Amerock manufacturing plant and the Stedmans V&S Department Store. In Tobermory, she shared her talents at the Garage Restaurant, Earl Craig’s Restaurant, Tobermory Lodge, the Country Kitchen, and Peacock’s Bakery. Her homemade tomato macaroni soup was a local favorite. An avid knitter and crocheter, she frequently crafted beautiful baby outfits and blankets for loved ones throughout the community.

Patricia also volunteered extensively for her town. She was a dedicated Legion Member and served as the secretary for the Ladies Auxiliary. She spent countless hours collecting donations and candy to help Santa bring joy to local children during his annual Christmas visits to the Legion, and she actively helped organize the Santa Claus parades. Deeply involved in local Christmas concerts, she created costumes, wrote skits, and sang—most notably with her close friend Eleanor. Together, she and Eleanor were famous for winning numerous talent shows at Colonel Clark’s Tavern.

Patricia’s strength and determination were nothing short of amazing. She faced significant health struggles and pain throughout her life. At one point, she had to endure the grueling process of learning how to walk again, all while raising a very active toddler. Despite constant physical pain, she persevered, worked hard, and raised a beautiful family alongside her husband, always continuing to give to others.

She will be profoundly missed by her loving husband, Wm. A. Dawn Fulford, and her children: Marie (Doug) Smith, Connie Bowie, Louise Fulford, and Jeff (Pat) Fulford.

She is proudly remembered by her grandchildren: Jennifer Smith, Jonathon Bowie, Adam Bowie, Steven Rose, Caroline Bowie, Dawn Rose, Andrew Bowie, Dylan Fulford, and Sabreena Fulford.

Her legacy lives on through her great-grandchildren: Tiarra Gibbs, Jackson Smith, Paula Tobe, Alanis Bowie, Tristian Bowie, Damien Bowie, Lily Davis, Logan Bowie, Noah Bowie, Katherine Carr, Kaidyn Bowie, Aidien Bowie, Jayden Haynes, Lorelei Thomlinson, Cassidy (Connor) Salmon, Elise Bowie, Alexis Bowie, Tiegan Bowie, Autumn Bowie, Orion (Rose) Reeves, Talon Rose, Starlee Rose, Jaxx Rose, Alana Driver, Hailey Driver, and Keegan Driver.

She was the cherished great-great-grandmother of Theodore Bowie, Ayla Noble, and Linken McCullough.

She is survived by her brothers-in-law: Harvey Fulford, Roy Fulford (Evelyn), Mervin Fulford (Myrna), and Lawrence Fulford; her sisters-in-law: Evelyn Fulford and Doreen (Tennis) Russche; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Patricia was predeceased by her parents, QMS A/99447 RCOC Wm. T. Clifford Woods OBE and Thelma Etoil Weir; her parents-in-law, Wm. Wilbert Fulford and Eva Amelia Sewell; her infant son, Baby Fulford; her grandson, Billy Roy (“Boo”) Smith; her sons-in-law, Bill Rose and Alan T. Bowie; her brothers-in-law, Douglas Fulford and Emmerson Fulford; her sisters-in-law, Pearl Clark and Shirley Anne Clarke; and all of her nieces and nephews who passed before her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Tobermory Community Centre on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Shared tributes will begin at 2:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations made in Patricia’s memory to Lee Manor of Owen Sound, Ontario, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Easter Seals Ontario, Autism Canada, Tourette’s Canada, or a Charity of your Choice 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