Pat Nearing passed away peacefully and surrounded by family and the love of many others on September 11, 2020 in Kelowna, British Columbia, after a very brief battle with lung and liver cancer. Family and friends from across Canada are heartbroken. It is hard to believe that someone as energetic as she was, and so full of love and vitality, could be gone. Pat Nearing was a daughter of Cape Breton, born on April 22, 1938 in New Waterford, Nova Scotia. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Mary Petrie of New Waterford, and by her beloved sister Mary Peel of London, Ontario. Pat is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, John Nearing of Osoyoos, British Columbia, and their children Donna Wyatt (Albert) of West Kelowna, British Columbia, David Nearing (Teresa) of Mississauga, Ontario, and Daryl Nearing (Janice) of Ottawa, Ontario. Also grieving are her dear sisters Pauline MacMaster and Helen Brown, cherished grandchildren Sarah, Heather, Gregory, Ryan, Neil, Liam, Michael, adopted grandchildren Johnathan and Jane, and many extended relatives and friends from Cape Breton, the Maritimes, the Toronto area, London, Thunder Bay, Calgary, Kelowna, and her final home in Osoyoos, British Columbia. Pat could – and often did – strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. She was a caring soul who wanted to genuinely get to know you. She spent her long and extended career as a nurse and brought comfort to countless people. Pat had more energy than most, and she volunteered in a number of ways including working with the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, and with the Thunder Bay Archeological Society. Family and friends have many stories of Pat and John driving across North America to visit, playing with grandchildren, helping do chores, going camping, calling to keep in touch, and – sometimes – offering her advice to solve problems that she saw. Pat was giving, energetic, genuine and loving, and brave. She was an early feminist and never forgot that her dad was a union leader in a coal mine. Pat was one of a kind, and she will be dearly missed by us all. We are consoled by the fact that her illness and any discomfort were brief. A celebration of Pat’s life will be held via Zoom in the future to bring together people separated by distance and the pandemic. She would encourage you to make a donation to a charity that helps improve peoples’ lives, especially the poor and working poor. And please say a prayer for her soul, and a prayer for others struggling with illness. Arrangements are in the care of Everden Rust Funeral Services & Crematorium, West Kelowna Arrangement Centre (250-768-8925). Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.everdenrust.com.