Patricia Kathleen (Jarvis) MacMillan

With her family by her side, Patricia Kathleen (Jarvis) MacMillan aka Wonder Woman of East Saint John earned her angel wings on July 9, 2019 at the Saint John Regional Hospital after an epic journey with Ovarian Cancer.

Patty was the loving wife of her high school sweetheart Brett MacMillan; she was the daughter of Stephen and Linda (Duguay) Jarvis. Patty was a sister to Jennifer (Jim) Urquhart, Catherine (Scott) Stacey and Colin (Shelley Smith) Jarvis. Patty will be missed by her in laws Melda and John Macmillan, sister in law Tanya (Pat)Hunter and her many aunts, uncles and cousins. She leaves behind her special cats Maggie and Honey Bear. She was predeceased by her grandparents Charles and Kathleen (Payne)Duguay and Robert and Roberta (Lackie) Jarvis.

Patty was a special aunt to Leah, April, Ruthie, Jenna, Ashlee, Bailey, Brendan, Brady, Aubree, Dominic and to her three nephews that she helped bring into this world; Atticus (her Godson), Odin, and Laughlin.

Patty leaves behind many special friends including her bestie/Soul Sister Renee Buerkle, whom she traveled with to many concerts.

Patricia was first diagnosed in 2008 with Ovarian cancer at the age of 29. Patricia fought a courageous fight for 12 years. She did everything she could do to remain with her husband, cats and her family as long as she was able.

Patty loved her family more than anything in the world and was always there to help or give advice.

Patty married her best friend Brett, in 2007, the love of her life.  Patty and Brett were never far apart, and their love of movies and travel kept them busy. Patty cats were her children which showed in the numerous cat posts and pictures.

Patty decided that she was not going to let cancer run her life and determine what she could and could not do.  Patty, through the ongoing chemo, fought daily to do everything she wanted to do. She travelled, attending events, enjoying family and spent time with her husband.  Patty would say “I guess at any age you may not live to see another day or year”. Her positive nature was contagious.

Patty was always doing things to improve the lives for others. Patty was a warrior, and she did not want to leave this world without making a difference and making it better for others.

Patty and her friend, the late Les Adams, co-chaired the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope for the past 4 years. Her team was called “Patty Cakes”. This year, on September 8th, will be the 5th walk, and in memory we will make it a great one.

Patty was involved in the Fundy Fog Runners Group, The Running Room and Marathon By the Sea. She pushed herself to run with her friends, colleagues and support group.  We thank you for always being there for Patty. She missed her running groups and the people that made it special.

Patty was with the Kiwanis Club of Saint John for 5 years to see the finish of the Kiwanis North End Play Park in which she was a committee member. It was a happy moment for her to know that children would have a safe and fun place to play for years to come.

Patty was so pleased to be part of the YACC (Young Adult Cancer Canada) Group. YACC is a national network of hundreds of adults who are diagnosed with cancer between 15-39 years of age and are currently between the age of 18-39. Patty attended retreats in BC, NFL and she loved meeting other members of YACC and sharing ideas.  She encouraged people to post and reach out to others in the YACC Community.

Patty was born in Saint John, New Brunswick on November 21, 1976. She graduated from Hampton High School in 1994 and then from the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) in 2000 with a diploma in Accounting. Even when Patty was going through chemotherapy, she attended UNB Saint John at night to get her degree in Applied Management in General Business, graduating in 2010.  In high school Patty played flute in the school band, she also played on the Rugby and Soccer team. She was one of the first Sea cadets  in Hampton and travelled to many places NS, NB and BC. As a teen Patty babysat, worked at Holly’s Restaurant and Pizza Delight. Patty began her career working for RST in 2000 and then with J. D. Irving Limited in the IT Division in 2008. Patty had a successful career in various roles leaving as an Information Technology Business Analyst in 2019.

Patty enjoyed all aspects of her jobs from working at Sunbury Transport, RST, Halifax Shipyard, Atlantic Towing and JDI. In Patty’s words “I think it’s amazing that my employer supported me and had a great plan; everyone there has been very open-minded. It’s awesome to have so much support from your workplace”

Patty’s family would like to express their sincerest appreciation to the late Dr. John Quinn, Dr. Ed Reardon, Dr. Luan Le, Dr. Gray, Dr. Mowatt, and Dr. Ghatage, Dr. Bentley and her team at the Oncology Department.  Thank you to all staff at the Regional Hospital especially the Palliative Care Team – Dr. Love, Dr. O’Brien, Dr. Wood, and Dr. Williams, and the nurses who were there for her during her most vulnerable time and the kindness that was shown to our Patty.  You made her last days comfortable and we can never thank you enough for your kind words and the comfort that you provided to Patty.

Resting at Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John (646-2424) with visitation on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A celebration of Patty’s life will be held from the Fundy Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, July 13th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers please make a memorial donation in memory of Patty to the Ovarian Cancer Walk of Hope (Team Patty Cakes), or Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC), https://youngadultcancer.akaraisin.com/Donation/Event/Home.aspx?seid=19914&mid=8 .

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