Patricia Pitsel

Pat never failed to contribute generously.  She was always front and centre with advice and/or a donation. Whatever the endeavour, Pat gave it her energy, her intellect, her ethics, and full commitment. Throughout her time here with us she could be relied upon to deliver standards of excellence, energy, and enthusiasm for any and all events.

Pat was predeceased by her mother and father, Virginia and Joseph Pitzel, and infant brother Murray James; and her partner Frances Ann Lang.  She is survived by her sister Michelle and husband Larry (Ian); her nephew Ian and wife Natalee, and daughters Avry and Ella; and her nephew Brendon and wife Michelle, and daughters Madison and Mackenna. 

A wide range of business interests, charities, family activities, friends events, and causes were well supported by her presence and dedication.  She also gave her committed support to her favourite team, the Calgary Flames.   She had purchased several Flames jerseys over the years of her support, and when she went to travel in Russia gave them as gifts to the surprised and delighted guides in St. Petersburg.  Her unfailing energy, her intellect, her wit and sense of humour, and her commitment to acting with social responsibility and personal ethics is indelible.

Pat earned her B.Ed. (with distinction) from University of Calgary, in 1972.  An  M.Sc.Ed., from Fordham University, New York, followed in 1973.  She achieved her Ph.D. from the University of Calgary, 1980. After completing her Ph.D, Pat worked as an Adjunct Professor teaching courses in Psychology. For both the U of C as well as MRU.

Always a teacher, Pat began her work career in the classroom in 1963 to 1972. Following that, and having earned her Master’s degree in teaching, she became a guidance counsellor with the Regina Separate High School Board, in Regina Saskatchewan, 1973 - 1976. Designing a vocational counselling program for rural high schools and conducting teacher workshops followed, 1976-1977. In 1980 - 1981 she became Manager of the Development Section, Personnel Branch, Alberta Government Services. In 1982 she became Training Co-ordinator at Nova, An Alberta Corporation, where she redesigned in-house training programs. A new direction began in 1983 when she established Pitsel & Associates Ltd. Counselling, a consulting service for both public and private sectors.  Her clinical practice also included sports psychology and performance enhancement.

At Pat’s request there will be no funeral or leaving service. Friends may choose to gather and raise a glass in her memory.  In lieu of flowers, and in honour of her enduring love for dogs and cats, Pat would be most pleased by donations to an animal shelter of your choice.  The space that she occupied in our lives and hearts will always be framed by our admiration, love and respect.

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