EMPSALL (nee GARVEY), Patricia
- February 18, 2026
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Patricia Empsall, the spirited heart of our family, who died peacefully at The Vivalis in Pointe-Claire.
Patricia was predeceased by her loving parents Neil and Florence Garvey, her brother Gerald, and her granddaughter Vanessa. She was the devoted wife of Paul Empsall for 60 years and a beloved mother to Karalyn, Greg (Nancy), and Kristen (Stéphane). Patricia leaves in mourning her brother James and her sister Peggy (Hubert). Patricia will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren Ryan, Kelsey, and Nathanael, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Patricia raised her children with her husband in Montreal’s West Island and eventually pursued a rewarding career in human resources with a local pharmaceutical firm. After retirement, she devoted significant time and energy fundraising for various charitable causes in the West Island community.
Patricia was always at the core of family celebrations—she never missed an opportunity to mark any holiday with abundant food, festive decorations, and themed attire. While she was known for her feisty spirit and determination, she also cherished peaceful moments tending her flowers or reading by the ocean.
Visitation will take place at Voluntas Funeral Home, 4695 St-Jean, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Qc H9H 2A7, on Wednesday, February 25 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The Service will be celebrated on Thursday, February 26 at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas a Becket Church, 4320 Ste-Anne, Pierrefonds, Qc H9H 4Y7. Reception in the church following the mass. Private burial at Notre-Dame-des-Neiges.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence or the West Island Mission would be appreciated.
Peter & Norma Cook
February 20, 2026 at 3:28 pmWe are very sad to learn of Pat’s passing. We have so many good memories of getting together for our annual Good Friday dinner. May God give you comfort and peace during this very difficult time. Pat certainly will be missed.
The Vissers
February 20, 2026 at 5:36 pmThe Vissers were very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. We lived down the street from the Empsalls and spent many fun summer vacations together on the beaches of Cape Cod and Maine, trips to Florida and P.E.I and houseboating on the St. Lawrence. Lots of laughs, beer and fudge. We’ll remember Pat’s sense of humor, her laughter and her fun spirit.
Carolyn Merry Galloway
February 20, 2026 at 5:50 pmMy most sincere condolences to you Karalyn and the Family – Pat was always a fun loving and interesting lady to be with. Many Red Hat adventures together and always very insightful conversations – she will be missed.
Ginette Fournier
February 20, 2026 at 5:57 pmIm very sad to hear of Pat’s passing and offer my sincere condolences to the Empsall family. She was such a wonderful and loving person. The world has lost a beautiful angel. She will be missed.
Julie-Ann Leblanc
February 20, 2026 at 6:24 pmKristen, Karalyn – I am so very sorry to hear about your mom. I always kept an eye out for updates on your mom. I loved seeing the pictures. She was an absolute sweetheart. I remember her from Pfizer so well and crossing paths with her in the different community activities. She had a very loving and extremely generous character. I’m sending you all the biggest hugs. Thinking of you all every moment.
Gavin Fernandes
February 20, 2026 at 9:23 pmMy sincere sympathies to Karalyn, Greg and Kristen, and the whole
Family. Pat was a blessing. The amount she did for Teresa and for the residence was amazing. Bless her and all of you. May a million butterflies lead her into heaven. So sorry.
Carole Dupuis
February 20, 2026 at 9:51 pmSincere condolences to the family…she was a lovely soul who was appreciated and loved by many.
May you dance and laugh with your granddaughter Patricia …bon voyage
Gabriela Pedroso
February 21, 2026 at 3:35 amVery sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Although my interactions with her were brief, they were impactful. Sending my support to Kristen and the rest of the family during this time of grief and remembrance.
Sylvia de Wit
February 21, 2026 at 8:05 amI was so deeply saddened to hear about Pat’s passing. My heart goes out to your entire family during this time. Her wonderful spirit and the genuine love she had for everyone she met will be missed by so many.
Carol-ann Kokesch
February 21, 2026 at 8:41 amA determined women and kind soul will be sadly missed. Helping Pat with the butterfly release fundraising for Teressa Dellar was an honour to be a part of something she cherished.
Anne Brisson
February 21, 2026 at 12:01 pmShe leaves a big void in the community and in my life. She was my comrad in creativity and all things beautiful. Thank you Pat for all you have done for us. You will be forever missed. Love, Anne
M.E. McKelvey
February 21, 2026 at 5:13 pmMy sincere condolences to the entire family.
Patsy always did a wonderful job preparing and celebrating every holiday and she certainly was spirited.
May she rest in peace.
Therese Barrett
February 23, 2026 at 1:38 amOur condolences to Pat’s family. My memories of Pat will be forever marked by our many chats at the Palliative Care and the many other volunteer events we met and worked at. Rest in peace Pat, you are finally with Vanessa again
Kris Murali
February 23, 2026 at 7:34 amWe are deeply saddened to hear the sad news of
Pat Empsall, condolences to the family. Pat was one
of the kindest and condisiderate person I had known who always stood by you. She now will join Vanessa and will def be missed.
Sharon Clark
February 23, 2026 at 8:31 amSincere condolences to you Kristen and Stéphane. Pat was a lovely person full of life always doing for others. I remember working alongside her at the Pfizer bake sales. May she rest in peace.
Karen Beasley
February 23, 2026 at 9:20 amHi Paul and Kids. I am probably Pat’s oldest (and dearest) friend, going way back to 7th Grade at St. Aloysius, then Holy Name High. Pat abundantly shared her spirit and energy wherever she went. We have been separated geographically for over 50 years and I have not seen her since Covid but she has a spot in my heart.
Margaret Poole-Jolly
February 23, 2026 at 11:07 amMy sincere condolences to Kristen, Karolyn and the family. I have great memories of Pat, our volunteering days and our many breakfasts at Tm H ortons. She will be missed.
Tammie Fleming
February 23, 2026 at 12:18 pmI’m so sorry to hear this news about Pat! She was so much fun to be around. What a fun, young spirited, and cool lady you were Pat! I used to love chatting it up with her when she volunteered at the reception @TDPCR. Rest well Lady! Dance and have a party up there with Vanessa.
Johanne Armstrong
February 23, 2026 at 6:28 pmPatricia’s compassion and community spirit made a lasting difference. Heaven has welcomed a new angel, and she will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to her family.
Anita Jones
February 24, 2026 at 10:14 amKristen and Family. My deepest condolences to you all. Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting your Mom, I have heard many great things about her and know that she will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynda Barrett
February 24, 2026 at 6:32 pmIt is with deep sadness we acknowledge the passing of our past President. During her time supporting Volunteer West Island, she exemplified compassion and an unwavering commitment to serving our community. Our sincere condolences to her family and friends. I was privileged to work alongside Patricia. Lynda Barrett, Executive Director VWI
Hella Geoffroy
February 24, 2026 at 9:26 pmThough I did not get to know you Patricia, your spirit shines. My deepest condolences to all the family. God be with you all to comfort you in those hard moments that come and go. I know only too well the feeling and comfort from friends and family that help immensely. Amen.
Kerri Radoman
February 25, 2026 at 4:50 pmKristen, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
I will always remember Patricia’s kind smile at our Pfizer bake sales—it’s a small memory, but one that speaks to the warmth and generosity she shared so naturally.
Thinking of you and your family, and wishing you comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead.
Dominique Cyr
February 25, 2026 at 8:02 pmCher Paul,
Je te garde dans mes prières, ainsi que toute ta famille.
Que Dieu te gardes en l’accueillant auprès de Lui.
Louise Véronneau
February 26, 2026 at 5:46 amQuelle triste nouvelle. Je suis de tout cœur avec vous Karalyn & Kristen . Un cœur joyeux, lumineux, généreux, dédié et extraordinaire nous a quitté mais ne sera jamais oublié. C’est un privilège d’avoir connu Patricia.
Pauline Tolan
February 26, 2026 at 12:36 pmI am so sorry to hear the news about the passing of such a super human being, my former Pfizer colleague and friend. She was an amazing mentor to me and taught me more about HR and hiring of people as well as so many life skills. She was like another mom to me too with so much energy as we laughed about all the craziness we had to deal with. I was sad when she retired but we always managed to stay connected over the years. I know she is at peace with her beloved granddaughter who she missed so much. Pat will always hold a special place in my heart. She was the heart and sole to so many people. I only wish I lived closer so I could give her hugs more often. God bless her and your family.
Michelle Brien
March 1, 2026 at 2:48 pmMy sincere condolences to you, Paul, and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joanne Fabien
March 2, 2026 at 11:48 amI had the pleasure of volunteering with Patricia and am heartbroken to learn of her passing. She was a rare gem with compassion, kindness and a touch of sass. My deepest sympathies to her loved ones and to anyone who had the pleasure to have befriended her.
Linda Stachula
March 3, 2026 at 1:13 pmShe was always Miss Patty to me, love her so much. Red Hat sister, Relay for Life partner and myeloma march advocate, who always somehow convinced me to volunteer, will be deeply missed.
Jasmine Eames
March 8, 2026 at 3:03 pmDear Paul and Kristen, and the rest of your family, my sincere condolences on the loss of a devoted wife and mother. I am so very sorry for your loss. Kristen, she has gone to join her dearly loved Vanessa. I bet that was a rather beautiful moment, one filled with much love, joy, hugs and kisses!!
May perpetual light shine on her, and may she rest in eternal peace.
May God grant all of you comfort and peace during this time, as you all grieve her loss. God bless.
Dorothy Gartner & Paul Southin
March 22, 2026 at 12:18 pmDear Kristen and family, we are deeply saddened by the passing of your mom Pat. She was not only a wonderful colleague, but a true matriarch, whose generosity, warmth and dedication inspired everyone who knew her. Her light touched so many through her kindness and community work we will cherish her memory and the joy she brought to our workplace and beyond.