Obituary of Pat Oldham

Patricia Jean Oldham (Campbell) passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024 at Parkwood Hospice surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with cancer. Married for almost 45 years to her late husband Claire Oldham of Southwold, Pat was a cherished mother, grandmother, aunt and cousin to her four children, five grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was also a dear friend to many.

“Patsy” was born to the late R.D. Campbell and Marion Campbell (McNabb) of Cowal where she grew up on Bellview Farm along with her younger brother Jamey Campbell of Chatham. In her youth, Patsy was an avid pianist and member of 4-H. She was also the organist at Chalmers United Church in Cowal.

Pat and Claire lived in Lawrence Station where they raised their children; the late Jim Oldham of Ottawa, Joan Somerville (Richard McWilliam) of Shedden, Jackie Oldham of St. Thomas, and Janice Oldham Quanz (Larry Quanz) of Waterdown.

Together, they owned and operated Oldham Pro Hardware in Dutton, where they made many close connections within the Dutton/Dunwich community. Pat later worked at the St Thomas Public Library as a secretary-bookkeeper. There she made many life-long friends, some of whom started a lunch group at Wendy’s every Tuesday. Over three decades later, this ritual still continues today.  As one who always loved to be out and about, Pat took up a retirement job as a card merchandiser for Hallmark.  She loved bumping into friends and having a chat while restocking the Hallmark greeting card display at the local Superstore.  Once again, she became long time friends with many of her coworkers from Hallmark.

Pat was involved in numerous community organizations throughout her life. She shared her homemaking knowledge and skills leading 4-H groups for many years. Pat was a longstanding member of the Kensington Club of Lawrence Station, joining as a newlywed, and remaining a member for over 60 years until her passing. For over 20 years, Pat volunteered at The Caring Cupboard foodbank in St Thomas.  She also spent many years as a volunteer driver delivering hot lunches for the Meals on Wheels program.

But her very favourite volunteer work was donating her time, energy, and love to her grandchildren! Pat savoured the opportunity to help in any way that she could with her five grandchildren – Joan’s daughter Jordan, Jackie’s sons Jesse and Sam, and Janice’s sons Thomas and Colton. Without question, Pat went above and beyond in the Grandma department!

Despite her cheery disposition, Pat was no stranger to family loss. She lost her father shortly after getting married at age 19. In 1997, her eldest child Jim passed away at age 36. In the fall of 2004, her granddaughter Jordan had a fatal accident, and just a few months later she lost her husband Claire following a heart attack during the Christmas holidays. Nonetheless, Pat’s eternal optimism, caring spirit, and love for life would not waiver.

She had that something special that made her easy to talk to and a pleasure to be with. Whether she was travelling to the far corners of the globe, or partaking in everyday simplicities at home, Pat would surely be making the most of any situation. How lucky we are to have been blessed by knowing Pat.

For those considering memorial donations, the family has chosen two options close to their hearts. The first is The Caring Cupboard food bank where Pat volunteered. Having witnessed the exceptional palliative care at the Parkwood Hospice in London, Pat’s family would also like to support local efforts to bring a similar hospice to our community by supporting The Hospice of Elgin. 

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