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Patricia Millicent Gummer (nee Birmingham)
Celebration of Life

MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East, Cobourg

Saturday, May 17th, 2025
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.

Patricia Millicent Gummer (nee Birmingham)

April 10, 1926 - January 12, 2025

After a very long and blessed life, our beautiful mother passed on peacefully at Extendicare, Cobourg.

Pat was the dear wife of her beloved husband, Don (deceased) and a loving mother to daughters Ann Closs (Doug) and Laurie Ewart (Bob). Her grandchildren, Ashley DiNova (Michael), Paige Basque (Doug), Morgan Storie, and Whitney Johnstone (Dave), had a special place in her heart. She was their greatest fan, always interested in their lives and accomplishments. When her great grandchildren arrived, she still had more than enough love left for Waverley and Marshall DiNova, Ava and Parker Basque, Ty Hamilton, Ewan and Hayden Storie, and Delilah and Bronte Johnstone.

Pat was a person of many talents. She was a founding member of the Cobourg Art Club and a remarkable artist whose many paintings are cherished by family and friends throughout the world. While in her 70’s, she travelled to Machu Picchu with a number of fellow artists to paint the Peruvian people in their beautiful surroundings.

She was the bookkeeper for our parents’ business, Gummer Hardware, for many years. As a member of St. Peter’s Church Chancel Guild and the Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary, she freely gave back to her community. Later in life, Pat sold real estate and also experienced the excitement of world-wide travel with our father.

Growing up, many of our clothes were expertly sewn by our mother, including our wedding dresses. Mom took great pride in her family home, which she loved to decorate with antiques. As daughters, we were fortunate to have held our wedding receptions in that warm setting. On weekends, she and Dad would pack kids, dog and supplies into the cab of Dad’s truck and we’d head on Saturday night for the beloved cottage on Kasshabog Lake.

For many years, Mom and Dad spent their winters in Florida, where they made many good friends. The rest of our family often enjoyed a winter holiday with them forming life-long memories.

We would like to thank the wonderful caring staff at Extendicare Cobourg for their expert and loving care of our mother. She was happy there this past year and many residents and staff enjoyed her sense of humour and gentle demeanor.

There will be a Celebration of Pat's Life gathering on Saturday, May 17th, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre, 30 King St. E. in Cobourg.

If desired, a donation may be made in Pat’s name to the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation or to The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Message Of Condolence

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MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE / DONATIONS

Mavis Butler - February 19, 2025 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

Ethelwyn and Al Rempel - February 17, 2025

My memories of Pat Gummer go back to Peter Kolisnyk's art classes in Cobourg in the late 1960s. Pat was always warm and engaging even to newbies and new art enthusiasts. She was classy and so present for us all. I was in awe of her. Our condolences to the family.

Doug Palmer - February 17, 2025

Dear Ann, so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Judith Chase - February 15, 2025

Pat and Don Gummer were favourites of my mother ,Audrey Chase. She worked part-time at the hardware store and enjoyed the experience immensely. They had many laughs and a positive working relationship. When she retired they generously gifted her with a beautiful Bentwood rocker. My sincere condolences to the family.

Petra Hartwig - February 13, 2025

My sincere condolences on the passing of Pat. She really was a lovely lady. I joined the Cobourg Art Club but knew Pat during the years she and Don had the hardware store. I very much appreciated the journey Pat went through in the art world and loved what she created - she was my inspiration. Fond memories which you so obviously have.

Marie Butter - February 11, 2025 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

Joan & Barbara Core - February 7, 2025

Ann & Laurie Our condolence on the loss of your Mom.

John & Heather Harvey - February 1, 2025

Our condolences to the Gummer family. Don and Pat were good friends with our parents for many years and we were lucky enough to attend her art shows and are very proud of the 3 pieces we own and enjoy.

sybil and ken shehan - January 30, 2025

To Laurie and family our very deepest sympathies; Sybil and Ken

Diane Froncz - January 27, 2025

What a beautiful lady she was! My sincere condolences to Pat's family. May you be comforted by your memories of her long life and many talents.

Judy Hopkins and Brian Shea - January 27, 2025

We have fond memories of Pat dating from 2001 when we became neighbours of Laurie and Bob on Lake Kasshabog and then in 2006 when me moved to the Cobourg area. As a new member of the local art community and the Cobourg Art Club, Pat was a source of inspiration and encouragement. I was delighted to be able to visit her studio, take one of her workshops and attend a solo art show. We are happy to hang one of her pieces of art. I always think of her when I visit the Women's Health Centre in the Northumberland Hills Hospital where a large magnificent abstract painting of hers hangs, a fitting legacy to a talented woman who contributed so much to her community throughout her long life.

Johanne Loken - January 23, 2025

Condolences to the family. She was a great painter, loved people and was a charming neighbour to my in-laws.

Rosemary Avery - January 21, 2025

Pat was an inspiration to many - in particular the Art world - she was always happy to give sage advice and all in good fun. bye Pat

Carol Fellman - January 20, 2025

Our parents (my dad and Rhita) and yours were snowbirds in Florida, neighbours and friends. Your dad and mine played backgammon every day in the garage and they socialized as couples. When I visited them in Florida, your mom was engaging, warm and kind to me. I remember her saying it was pointless to curl your hair in the Florida humidity. I would consider your mom a Cobourg icon!

Janette Harrison - January 20, 2025

Ann, Doug, and family my condolences on the loss of your mother

Gord and June Minifie - January 20, 2025

Condolences to the family

Fred and Joan Long - January 20, 2025 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

Anne and Bruce Reevely - January 19, 2025

We were saddened to learn of the passing of your beautiful mother, Laurie. Our deepest condolences to you, your family and all those who loved her. May memories of the happy times you shared with her sustain you during this difficult time.

Lisa Morse - January 19, 2025

First off I would like to send my condolences to Pat's family. I had the pleasure of looking after Pat when she was a resident at Palisade Gardens Memory Care. She was always smiling and pleasant. She will be missed by all. RIP Pat.

Alice Vander Vennen - January 18, 2025

Deep sympathy on the loss of this beautiful person. Pat will be deeply missed as she was so generous and loving and was an inspiration to us all. Her art was exceptional and I am proud to own one of her pieces. I especially appreciated Pat generosity of spirit as she encouraged, complimented and inspired us younger artists. She was a blessing to our community.

Karen Closs - January 18, 2025

Sorry for your loss Aunt Ann & Uncle Doug, Ashley and family and Paige and Family. I am sure all of you have wonderful memories of her to carry with you. Thinking of all of you at this time. Karen

Lynn and Andrew Barlow - January 18, 2025 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

Simran - January 18, 2025

Deepest condolences to all of you. May GG rest in peace ♥️

James D Jones - January 17, 2025

Laurie, Bob, Ann & Doug and Family My condolences. She was a wonderful person and seemed to always have a smile . RIP

Carol Quirk - January 17, 2025

Dear Laurie, Ann and families, I was so very sorry to learn of dear Pat's passing. It was a privilege to have known her, and I cherish not only her wonderful paintings I have, but also the times spent with her and Don while they were on a house exchange here in Sydney. She would laugh I think if she knew she is especially known by many here, due to her cabbage salad recipe she gave me years ago! I call it "Pat Gummer's Chinese Cabbage Salad". It is a staple of our family get-togethers, and I have shared her recipe among many friends as well. May she rest In peace after her long and full life. Love and thoughts are with you all, Carol

Heather Finn - January 17, 2025

Ann and Laurie my deepest condolences on the loss of your Mum. It was a pleasure to know her and care for her. She will be missed for her beautiful smile and laugh. Sending all my love Heather

Bryan and Roberta Armstrong - January 17, 2025 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

Gil and Marg Brocanier - January 17, 2025

Laurie we are saddened to hear of your Mother’s passing. She lived a long and vibrant life and left you with many memories to draw on at this difficult time.

Brenda Peel - January 17, 2025

I was saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. I have many fond memories of her. Such talent and a warm loving woman. I hope the special memories you shared will bring comfort and peace.

Theresa Mitchell - January 16, 2025

I'm so very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. You may be interested to know that I have one of your mother's paintings gracing a wall in my home in Kingston, ON. My mother (Kathy Mitchell) purchased it some years ago. When she moved to Guelph after marrying Jim Clarke, she offered up some of her artwork to me and my three sibilings. I am honored to have your mother's art in my home and every time my mom comes to visit, I think she visits her paintings as much as she visits me! Wishing you and your family many happy memories, Theresa

Anne Sargent - January 16, 2025

Ann and Doug, my sympathies on your mother’s death. She was a great lady and she will be missed. Thinking of you and Ashley, Paige and their families. Hold the memories close.

John Keeler - January 16, 2025

Ann, Doug and family; We are sorry to read of your mother's passing. She lived a wonderful life and she can rest peaceful knowing she was so loved by so many. Jack, Rick and Kim

Graeme Bakker - January 16, 2025

We are saddened to hear of Patricia's passing. Patricia was a wonderful woman and we are grateful for her 26 years of volunteerism with the Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary from 1985-2011. On behalf of the NHH staff, volunteer team and NHH Auxiliary board we send our condolences to Patricia's loved ones.

Palisade Gardens - January 16, 2025

Our sincerest condolences to the Gummer family. Pat was a wonderful woman and a cherished resident here for many years. May she rest in peace.

Judy Pollard Smith - January 16, 2025

A lovely obituary for a lovely woman. My sympathy. Thinking of you Laurie and Ann and families. Judy

Andrea Margles - January 16, 2025 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

Doug Palmer - January 16, 2025

My Dear friends Ann and Doug; my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time, remain strong, and cherish the wonderful memories of your Mom's wonderful life.

Ralph & Norma Stoffers - January 15, 2025

Ann & Doug Thinking of you at this time. A beautiful lady for sure. Sincerely Ralph & Norma

Bryan and Roberta Armstrong - January 15, 2025 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

Bryan and Roberta Armstrong - January 15, 2025

Ann - we were saddened to hear of your mom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and Doug and your family at this sad time.

Anne and Dave Doyle - January 15, 2025

Dear Ann and Laurie and families…We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Hoping the wonderful memories of her accomplishments and long productive life comfort you all. Anne and Dave

Anita Gutteridge - January 15, 2025

Ann and Doug and family Sincere condolences on the passing of your mother.

Bonnie Sheridan - January 15, 2025

Ann, Laurie and Family. My deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mother. Each of you have many loving memories of both your parents to treasure and keep close to your heart. Bonnie

Jenna Harnden & Tina Essert - January 15, 2025

Ann, Doug and family. We are so sorry for your loss and are thinking of you during this difficult time. We always enjoyed our visits with Patricia at the clinic. Sending our love. Jenna & Tina

Marilyn (Rusk)Chapin - January 15, 2025

To Ann, Laurie and family. I had the great pleasure to say I have known “ Mrs.Gummer” all my life! As a neighbour on Spencer street and a fellow Cobourgite. What memories we have of the Gummer’s Hardware store, breaking windows in the shed when playing ball, running around the hedge playing hide and seek,and my Mom sending me to Pat to teach me to knit because I was left handed and so was she❤️. What an incredible woman. Always remembered me when we met RIP Mrs. Gummer 🫂🫂

Pat Lafferty - January 15, 2025

My condolences of the loss of your dear mother.She had a wonderful life and was loved by many...keep all of her memories in your heart.