Obituary of Pat Coleman

Mary Patricia (Sampson) Coleman peacefully passed away on December 28th, 2023, with family by her side at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Mom was born in Sydney in 1935 and was the cherished daughter of William Sampson and Margaret Gillis. Mom often shared fond memories of growing up on Mechanic Street. To her mother’s delight, after graduating from Holy Angels High School, Mom furthered her education by enrolling in secretarial training under the watchful eyes of the Convent Sisters of Saint Joseph’s located in Mabou. Almost seven decades ago, she agreed to let a boy from Glace Bay walk her home from a social event and that was the beginning of what would become a 64-year marriage to Greg Coleman. During those years, six children, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren arrived to create the family we have today. As a family, we were extremely fortunate to have a Wife, Mom and Grandmother that had the patience and wisdom to guide us through our challenges in life. Mom was known for devoting her life to spending tireless hours managing the house so it felt like a home; creating a loving and supportive environment in caring for her family. Words cannot adequately describe our anguish that mom is gone. Even though we will always feel her absence, it is reassuring to know that her unwavering love and support will always be remembered and remain in our hearts. Her relatives and friends remember her as a gentle, caring and classy lady who always spoke fairly and kindly of others. This was evident in how Mom graciously welcomed friends and family into her home. When not busy with family, Mom spent many hours volunteering for CWL, Housing Authority, MacGillivray Guest Home, and was a member of the Cape Breton District School Board. One of her most enjoyable ventures was volunteering for and supporting the PC party of Nova Scotia. Her children humorously called her PC Pat and she always ensured that the Cape Breton hospitality suites were welcoming and memorable during provincial conventions. Mom was recognized and awarded for her efforts toward the party by Premier Hamm in the early 2000s. Mom leaves behind her loving husband, Greg Sr.; five children, Greg Jr. (Lisa), Johngary (Elizabeth), Leanne (Rob), Rhyan (Danielle) and Grahame (Angela); grandchildren Katie, Lauren, Leah, Marybeth, Thomas, Rory and Sam; three great grandchildren, as well as cousins Gillis Carrigan, Ethel Lee and Anne Marie Corrigan, lifelong friend Kay Marie Clark, and sister-in-law, Jean Coleman. Besides her parents, Mom was predeceased by uncle John Gillis, dear cousin Ralston Carrigan, close friend Anne Curry, brother Bill Sampson, never forgotten infant daughter, Mary Beth, and grandson Nathaniel. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the care teams at both the Regional Palliative Care and Hospice. Your dedication to our mother provided our family with great comfort during this challenging time. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, N.S., 902-539-7175. A private service will be held in the funeral home for immediate family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mom’s name to MacGillivray Guest Home. Words of condolence may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com. “Love as powerful as your mother’s leaves its own mark … To have been loved so deeply … will give you some protection forever.” -J.K. Rowling