Patricia “Patsy” Marie Lefley a resident of Spirit River passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024 at her home in Spirit River at the age of 91 years.

We are so grateful for the many years we had with our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister and friend.

Patsy was born in Silverwood, AB on September 30, 1932. She was the middle child of thirteen children born to Gustav and Mary Listhaeghe.

Patsy married Arthur Lefley on September 18, 1950, and they had nine children.

Patsy grew up in the Silverwood area and spent most of her life in Spirit River, AB. Throughout her life, she was an entrepreneur: owner of the Silverwood Store (postmaster and telephone operator), babysitter and owner-operator of the Penguin Drive-In. She spent many hours working along with the help of her children, nieces, nephews, many friends and family.

Faith was an integral part of Patsy’s life and she attended Mass daily. We are so thankful she shared her spiritual guidance, wisdom, knowledge and many prayers she offered up for all her family and friends daily (and that is a thank you Jesus).

For many years she would spend four hours a day in prayer. Her family was very important but she always put God first.

Patsy is survived by her sisters: Natalie, Marie and Bridget; children: Chris, Debbie (Sean) Kelly, Gaynel (Jim), Jack (Linda), Carrie (Doug) Heitrich, Tom (Heather), Bart (Sandy), Allen (Rizel) and Jacinta (Cory) Morrison; 25 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

Patsy was predeceased by her husband of 55 years Arthur; parents Gustav and Mary Listhaeghe, parents-in-law Jack and Mary Lefley, baby grandson Sean Kelly; granddaughter Heidi Heitrich; brothers: Joe, Norman, Bert, Johnny and Chris; sisters: Harriett, Juliette, Marion and Sylvia; as well as many other loving and special brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, family members and friends.

There will be a Prayer Service at 7:00pm on Friday, March 22, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church (5019 43 Ave.) Spirit River, AB.

A Celebration of Life, which will include the sacrament of the Mass, will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 2:00pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Spirit River. Interment will be at the Old Mission Cemetery in Spirit River with a luncheon to follow at Rycroft Community Hall (5208 47 Ave.) Rycroft, AB.

“Jesus was perfect. He didn’t please everyone – so why worry when you can pray?” – A message from Patsy