Life is full of mystery and wonder. It never ceases to amaze me what news we will hear from out of the blue. I received an email 2 days ago to tell me that one of my former mentors was in hospital, and then the following day to say that she had died.

Rev. Patricia Shirley "Pat" Gow , 57.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Pat Gow at the Halifax Infirmary on Wednesday, October 17th, 2007, after having suffered a massive heart attack. Born on December 24th, 1949 in Bridgewater, N.S., she was the eldest daughter of Frank and Shirley (Fraser) Gow. Over the past year she fought a courageous and successful battle with breast cancer. Pat was a graduate of Acadia University with degrees in Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, Master of Divinity and Master of Theology (Pastoral Care). She also studied at the Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Center, Massachusetts where she worked toward a Doctor of Ministry Degree. After a brief career as a teacher in the public school system, Pat worked in the family business, Gow’s Home Hardware in Bridgewater, where she made a very valuable contribution. After being called to the Ministry, Pat was ordained a Baptist Minister in 1989. She worked at Acadia University as Adjunct Faculty at the Divinity College teaching Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), Grief Counseling and Basic and Advanced Pastoral Counseling. Pat was a mentor to many students who loved and respected her. She worked for a time as the Coordinator of Valley Pastoral Counseling at the Eastern Kings Memorial Community Health Center. Pat was also Chaplain for three years at the Cape Breton Psychiatric Hospital in Sydney, N.S. She had been an Associate Teaching Supervisor with the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education (CAPPE). Pat was Vice Chair of the local committee of the Atlantic Baptist Senior Citizen’s Homes Inc. This committee spearheaded the development of Drumlin Hills Assisted Living for Seniors Complex now under construction in Bridgewater. She also served as Interim Minister at various local churches. The last few years she devoted herself to the care of her parents, while continuing her involvement with the Bridgewater United Baptist Church and her own counseling service. Pat was a very intelligent, capable leader and teacher, a loving daughter, sister, aunt, friend and colleague. We will all miss her deeply. Besides her parents, she is survived by her brother, Peter, wife, Zelda and their children, Jennifer and Denise; sister, Sharon Gow-Knickle, husband, David Knickle, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visitation will be held Sunday from 6 to 9pm in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater with cremation to follow. A Baptist Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held 2pm Monday in the Bridgewater United Church, Rev. Sarah Duffy and Rev Eric Campbell officiating. A reception will follow the service in the Christian Education Center at the church. No flowers by request. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bridgewater Baptist Church, Canadian Cancer Society or the N. S. Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com