Wheeler, Patricia Bennett – Age 88, Truro. On October 7, 2021, Patricia Bennett Wheeler (nee Woolhouse) passed away peacefully in Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. She was 88 years old. She is survived by her five children, Jennie, Guy, David, Tony and Suzanne and 35 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Dr. Barry Reid Wheeler.

Pat was born in 1933 in Sheffield, England. She was sent to boarding school in the country along with her identical twin sister, Judy and her older sister, Helen when she was just six years old due to the start of the Second World War. She and her sisters continued at the boarding school after the war ended until graduation. This early experience had a meaningful impact and throughout her life Pat continued to reflect the principles she learned during that time including resilience during challenging times, commitment to her community and embracing people who didn't have family or friends nearby.

Pat was a dedicated student and graduated at the top of her class, earning a spot at the prestigious London School of Economics. Her family was unable to afford the tuition so she took the practical step of enrolling in a nursing program at Saint Bartholomew's Hospital in London where she could earn some money as a nurse-trainee. It was there that she was introduced to her husband, Barry who was a medical student, getting engaged only ten days after they met and marrying in 1954.

After moving the family to Canada in 1965, Pat embraced the community in Truro and was an active volunteer in many areas including minor hockey, Brownies, Girl Guides, Tennis Nova Scotia, the historical society and the church altar guild. She was honored with an award for exceptional volunteer service by the Province of Nova Scotia in 2001.

Pat was an enthusiastic athlete as well. She was an excellent tennis player winning doubles titles at the Truro Tennis Club for many years, along with her dear friend, Margie. She spent many happy hours in Truro and at Shortts Lake playing tennis with her friends. Never afraid to try new things, she also took up cross-country skiing in her 40's, downhill skiing in her 50's and golf in her 60's.

Most of all, Pat was a devoted wife and mother to her five children. She would look around the table with pride during family dinners with a sappy smile that embarrassed us when we were young, prompting many eye rolls and cries of "Oh Mum". We were a big noisy family, but there is no doubt in any of our minds that our mother loved us all.

Alzheimer's is a devastating disease, taking a wife and mother away from her family and friends in a long and painful process. We are so grateful for our father who was devoted to our mother's care and well being throughout the entire journey, to her friends who kept her in their hearts and continued to visit her and to the Parkland and Cedarstone in Truro where she received excellent care from a dedicated, compassionate team of caregivers.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society (https://alzheimer.ca/en/take-action/donate). Cremation has taken place. A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 12th from 6–8pm in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro, NS. A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 13th at 2p.m. in St. John’s Anglican Church, 23 Church St., Truro, NS with the Rev. Lori Ramsey officiating. Please enter through “the link door” for registration. COVID-19 restrictions in place. Proof of full vaccination with photo ID required.Online condolences are available by visiting www.ColchesterCommunity.com