Patricia Ann Ryckman

Surrounded by love, Patricia Ann Ryckman of Blenheim peacefully slipped away at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance on Sunday, September 18. While she would kindly remind you that a lady never reveals her age, she collected 71 years filled with love, loss, and a healthy dose of laughter.

She is survived by her son Jeff Dunlop (Candace), sisters Marie Smith (Leonard), Gloria Anson (late Ed), Stacie Beaton (Doug), Tami St. Lewis (Stacey), and brother Ken (late Linda). She is predeceased by husbands Michael Dunlop and Fred Ryckman, son Michael Dunlop, parents William and Dona Nealey, as well as siblings Fran Stothart, William Nealey II, and Dona Bechard. Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews in the Nealey, Dunlop, and Ryckman families and by partner-in-crime Dorothy Ivison.

Born in a puddle, but eventually settling in Blenheim, she was the fourth child in the Nealey clan but was considered the glue that held nine siblings together. She lived briefly on the Jersey coast as a toddler, cementing her love for the ocean. A determined and resolute worker by inheritance, Pat worked at the Southwest Regional Centre for a time and was proudly employed at Mallory Industries for over 30 years. In her retirement, Pat enjoyed her time as a volunteer with New Beginnings.

She was a dedicated and proud mother to her two sons, and “mom” to many who made short visits or extended stays. After the tragic loss of her husband Michael, fate intervened and she reunited with her high school sweetheart Fred. Together, they finished a beautiful love story and discovered a thirst for travel. One of her favourite places was the Lido deck of a cruise ship, surrounded by friends and family, with a boat drink in her hand.

Family and friends are invited to gather around her once again at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday, September 22, 2022, where visitation will take place from 7-9 p.m. Visitation will take place again on Friday, September 23, 2022, from 12 p.m. until the time of Patricia’s funeral service, officiated by Pastor Bill Terris, which will begin at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.

Friends wishing to remember Patricia with a memorial donation are asked to consider New Beginnings ABI and Stroke Recovery Association http://newbeginnings-cksl.com/donate/ or Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/