03/15/2026
Patricia Elaine (Cook) Blayney
March 12, 1944 – March 11, 2026
It is with deep sadness, and also a sense of peace, that we say goodbye to our beloved mom, grandmother, aunt, sister, and dear friend, Patricia Elaine (Cook) Blayney, who passed away peacefully at the Westford Nursing Home in Port Elgin, New Brunswick, on March 11, 2026, after many years living with Alzheimer’s.
Patricia was predeceased by her husband, Greg Blayney, and other cherished family members. She is survived by her daughter Janet and husband Roger Pothier, and their children and grandchildren in Nova Scotia; her brother and sister-in-law Alfred and Colette Blayney and their family in Ontario and Australia; and her sisters children, and their families in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Patricia was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on March 12, 1944, to Elmer and Helen (Ogden) Cook while Elmer was stationed there during the Second World War. She fondly recalled early childhood memories of living in Halifax after the war and always loved returning to reminisce. Above all else, family was everything to her. Her generosity of spirit was legendary—whether through carefully chosen gifts, handmade treasures, or small acts of kindness “just because.”
Patricia was part of the fabric of the village of Port Elgin, New Brunswick, where she spent 25 years working for Canada Post, most of them as the Post Mistress. She took this responsibility very seriously and touched the lives of many people throughout her years at the Post Office. She enjoyed volunteering as a Guide Leader, supported the Port Elgin Summer Breezes Week, loved the Lupin Fair, and she and Dad were secret Santa more times than she would ever admit.
Mom’s creativity was woven into everyday life. Through painting, gardening, and folk art, she delighted in sharing beauty with others. Visitors rarely left without a painted keepsake, a plant cutting—sometimes from her beloved Jackmanii clematis—or flowers from her garden, always accompanied by a cup of tea and a cookie. Always. The great grandkids especially remember her love of ice cream and how their pockets and backpacks would be filled with trinkets after a visit to Little Shemogue.
Nieces, Vanessa and Nadine remember her impish laugh, constant chatter, and love of art, gardens, pets, and donairs. Summer trips “down east” to the farm, art supplies spread out on tables, and thoughtful packages mailed from the Port Elgin post office left lasting impressions on nieces, nephews, and later, their children. Every birthday and Christmas was marked with a card, a small gift, and the feeling of being deeply remembered.
Colette and Alf have fond memories of their travel adventures with Pat and Greg, from a trip around the coast of Nova Scotia to exploring the eastern seaboard of the United States. Pat loved to travel, visiting places she once only dreamed of—from Versailles and Rome to Nashville and the Florida Keys. She returned home with thousands of photos, shared stories filled with laughter, and images of old barns she hoped to paint someday. Roger remembers that no matter how wonderful the journey, she was always happiest when it was time to ‘get home to the farm’, often saying that she wished she could just “wiggle her nose,” and be home.
From her best friend Catherine come memories of road trips, yard sales, tea, painting, and laughter—especially one unforgettable day involving a china cabinet that somehow fit into Pat’s little red Probe, along with groceries and good humour. The cabinet found its place in her home for many years, just as those shared adventures found a permanent place in the hearts of those who loved her.
Mom, was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. Her kindness, creativity, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family live on in the many lives she touched and the memories we all hold close.
Rest easy Mom, and until we meet again, I’ll be sure to eat my oatmeal.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Jones Funeral Home, Sackville and Port Elgin, NB (506-364-1300). A private family graveside service for Gregory and Patricia will take place in the Fernwood Cemetery at a later date.
Donations in Patricia's memory may be sent to the Alzheimer's Society; Canadian Cancer Society; Port Elgin Regional School.
Sharing of memories and condolences were sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home page.