Obituary of Patricia Fraser

Mary Patricia Fraser (August 24^th, 1960 – January 11^th, 2025) grew up in a large and loving family surrounded by music, art, creativity, and laughter – the touchstones that shaped and guided her life. The daughter of Lillian (Ryan) and the late James Fraser, she spent her early years amongst a bustling group of siblings: Debbie (Ron) Long, Wayne (Paula), Linus (Cecilia), Barbara (Freedom), Maureen (Robert) Cochrane, John, and Daniel (Heidi).

She excelled in her studies, both academic and musical. As a child, she adopted the flute as her primary instrument, honing her skills in high school band as well as many local concerts, weddings, and events. Her dedication and proficiency eventually earned her Grade 8 Certification with First Class Honours from the Royal Conservatory of Music. After graduating from Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional High School, she was granted admission to the music program at Saint Francis Xavier University. With her young son Jamie by her side, she earned a B.A. in Music (Classical), and a B.Ed. Music (theory and flute). Patricia taught private music lessons for many years. Many of her former students were also members of her extended family and speak of her meticulous attention to detail, letting nothing go unnoticed; no wrong note or missed timing escaped her  ear.

Since 2006, she has been an instrumental figure in the fine arts program at Antigonish East Education Centre. Her creative spirit for music was infectious and her passion for teaching resonated deeply, leaving a lasting mark on the lives of countless students who were touched by her love for and dedication to the arts. She was also known for her deep listening skills, her empathy, and her ability to connect with people. Her guidance, patience, and praise always kept her students motivated, and she was well-known for always recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of others before her own.

Patricia wanted to share her life-long study and understanding of the human mind with the world. She worked diligently over the last 25 years to transfer these ideas into words in the form of a novel published in 2019, entitled Changing Focus: From Left Brain Thinking to Right Brain “Being”.  She was passionate about this work and the potential it had to increase our understanding of and connection to one other. A true hippie at heart, her ideas reflected her desire to live in a world filled with love, peace, and harmony.

Patricia was a remarkable friend whose kind and caring nature touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was selfless, observant, and always ready to lend a listening ear.  With a great sense of humour, she found joy in laughter, often sharing a chuckle at her own expense.

Patricia was incredibly proud of her three children Jamie (Catherine), Kali (Mark), and Samuel (Veronica). She always supported and encouraged her children to develop their musical and artistic skills and pursue their passions. Her creative spirit and artistic gifts have been carried forward and will live on in her children and grandchildren, as well as the decades of students whose lives she touched.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are encouraged to donate to an upcoming school or band fundraiser.

Cremation will take place and a celebration of life at a later date.