Patti is the beloved and devoted mother of Dr. William (Bill) Hipwell of Wakefield, Quebec, Elizabeth (Beth) Hipwell of Owen Sound, and Nancy Hipwell (Michael Ervin) of Barrie. She is also the chosen mom of Lisa Roberts Ament of Newmarket, and the loving stepmother of Marianne McKendry (Chris Rochon) of Parry Sound, Philippa Pepera (Paul) of Accra, Ghana, and Damian Quansah of Barrie.
She is the cherished grandmother of Tao-Lynn Carr (Jonathan), Leon Hipwell, Kaya Hipwell, Taylor Rennie (Claire), Kiernan Rennie, Justin Ervin, Hannah Hipwell-Ervin, Alyssa Ament (Liore Shrago), Aiden Ament, Jacob McKendry (Emma Pozzulo), Danielle McKendry, Sarah Pepera, Jamie-Lee Pepera (Nana Krobo-Edusei), Christopher Pepera, Laura Pepera, Emiliene Quansah, and Cameron Quansah.
Patti was the dearest sister-in-law of Kathy (Ovens) Williams, and favourite Aunt of Kelly Mizzen (Mike) and Ken Williams.
Patti’s greatest joy was her growing family. She is the proud great-grandmother of Farley, Gaelan, Yarrow, Oberon, and Ava Carr; Poppy and Louis Rennie; and Remington Ally.
Lighting her way is Patti’s beloved husband, Thomas Leon Hipwell, who has long been waiting for his “Patti-ricia”; her second husband, Dr. William Akon Quansah; her brother, John Williams; her great-granddaughter, Fern Carr; and her dear friend of more than 60 years, Sylvia (Grandison) Lee—Nancy’s godmother—who made the journey just three weeks before her.
Born to Elva Bell Burrows and J. Idris Williams, Patti grew up in Toronto. She believed strongly in empowering people through education. She was a primary specialist, teaching elementary school in Toronto, North York, and for many years in Simcoe County. She was also a Gerontologist and worked at Grove Park Home, where she created the Senior Encounter program.
Patti was a voracious reader, a talented seamstress, a gardener, a forager, DIYer, and a top notch cook. She never shied away from adventure and traveled to many countries around the world. She was an independent and capable woman well ahead of her time. She loved to entertain, spending as much time as possible with family and friends.
A lifelong volunteer, Patti generously gave her time to Hospice Simcoe, the Georgian Bay Chapter of the Lung Association; the Barrie IOOF; The Barrie chapter of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign by the Stephen Lewis Foundation; and as one of the founding members of Northwest Barrie United Church. There she served faithfully for more than 30 years as a steward, Chair of the Board, and a member of the Building Committee. Patti believed deeply in helping others, supporting a multitude of charitable organizations and also quietly helping friends and acquaintances in need of a hand.
Patti was a model of resilience, compassion, understanding, and unwavering love. Although she was met with significant challenges over her life, she never, ever gave up.
In her final days, she was surrounded by family, and countless messages of gratitude and love were whispered in her ears. She expressed profound contentment and reflected with great pride on a long life of over 89 years. In complete comfort and peace, she carried on and left us here Earth-side.
How could anyone forget her extraordinary care provider, Caitlin? Her compassionate attentiveness, steadfast advocacy, and countless long talks and laughter enriched Patti’s life beyond measure.
The family also extends sincere appreciation to the exceptional staff of the IOOF; The Terraces, Heritage Place, and the IOOF Long Term Care for the kindness and care they provided over the many years she lived in their residences.
In Patti’s honour, memorial donations made to the IOOF, the Barrie Food Bank, Covenant House, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Hospice Simcoe would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Help those less fortunate, make time to enrich the life of an elderly person, and always, always…call your mom.
Visitation will take place at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Thursday, August 13th, 2026 from 12 pm until the time of Service in the Chapel at 1 pm. Guests are invited to remain for a reception following the service inside the lower lounge. In keeping with Patricia’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
Online condolences and memories may be shared via www.steckleygooderham.com