September 3, 1932 to November 2, 2024
“We rise again in the faces of our children.”
Pat was an avid golfer, proud owner of a hole-in-one trophy! There wasn’t a craft Pat didn’t attempt and subsequently master. She loved to work with her hands. She was an accomplished seamstress, quilter, knitter, made beautiful needlework and hooked rugs. Pat loved to bake her famous chocolate chip cookies and butter tarts. Bridge and Euchre were favourite pastimes. Her landscaping and numerous house plants attested to Pat’s green thumb.
As a young Mom, Pat was active in The Girl Guides of Canada and volunteered at Camp Kiawa. She was always ready for a change and a challenge. Once her children were older she pursued a successful career in insurance. Pat worked at Mainway Insurance and taught insurance courses at Mohawk College for many years.
As a member of Knox Presbyterian Church in Dundas, her passion was working in the nursery with the young children.
Pat grew up in Hamilton, but moved to the suburbs of Dundas when she married Jim Harmer. She described their life on York Road as being like The Little House on the Prairie. Jim outside chopping wood and tending to the property and Pat inside quilting and baking.
Pat was predeceased by her husband James David Harmer, infant sons David and Andrew, parents Robert and Margaret Thompson, in-laws Lillian and Clayton Harmer, her brothers and sister-in-laws, Robert and Janet Thompson, Donald and Helen Thompson and brother-in-law Laverne Carson. Predeceased by beloved nephew Jamie Thompson, cousin Bill Bayliss and grandson Richard Folkerts.
Pat will be missed by her children, Kathleen and John Flanagan, Patricia and Mark Folkerts, Tim Harmer and Diane, her sister-in-law Shirley Carson and family and extended members of the Moon and Thompson families.
Pat loved spending precious moments with her grandchildren Kelly and Adam Van Dinther, James Flanagan, Robert Downs and Katie, Matt and Erin Downs, Jessica and Blake Boughen, Stephanie Folkerts and Ben, Elisabeth and Katie Harmer and Aiden Wang. Pat found special joy in great grandchildren Lily, Maggie, Henk, Charlie, Deegan, Everley, Emily and Jack.
Donations in Pat’s memory appreciated to a charity of your choice.
Family internment has taken place.
“We rise again in the waves out on the ocean”
Dear Kathy, Patti, Tim and families, Your mom (Grandma Pat) was a treasured part of our family as well. As a university student I was always welcomed and looked forward to her famous chocolate chip cookies! She was definitely one of my favourite “moms” and when Brian and I started our family she welcomed our children as her honorary grandkids, making them lovely handmade gifts and inviting them for sleepovers and pool parties. We cherish many great memories and send you all our most sincere condolences. Much love, Jacqui, Brian and family. xxx
my deepest sympathies to Pats family may she rest in peace. I worked with Pat at Mainway Insurance .
I remember Pat from growing up in the Valley where I went to school with Tim and their neighbor, Paul Tomlinson. Later on in my life seeing her and Jim had turned me towards my own insurance career and later on l would see her at various insurance events and functions later on. I grew an interest in local history as our family were also long time residences of the area, as were the Harmers, and my dad would always suggest I call the Jim or Pat if I had a question he couldn’t answer. Pat was always nice, happy and cordial.
My sincere condolences to the family for your loss.
Dear Harmer Family, thank you for putting the notice of Pat’s passing in the Spectator. She lived a long life and we remember her fondly. We couldn’t count the number of times we played bridge with Jim and Pat and enjoyed our evenings together. Then we appreciated visiting Pat at Meadowlands taking her the Dundas Star which she enjoyed reading. Our thoughts go out to each of you as you grieve and may you be comforted with many great memories of a loving Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.
Ken and Mary-Jane
Mike and I are very saddened at the loss of your mom.. she was loved and respected by all..
we have lots of lovely memories and offer our deepest condolences.
To Kathleen and family,
Your mom was so kind to take me to Dundas with you for piano lessons. Our “Valley” moms sure were made of good stuff. I’m glad that you had so many years with her. Sincere condolences.
Our sincerest condolences. We have fond memories of Pat.
Mark, Kimberly, Aliana and Courtney Weavers
My sympathy to the Harmer family. Pat and Jim were treasured friends from Knox Dundas. We enjoyed lunches and card games with the Harmers in Myrtle Beach and back home as well. When our first great grandson was born in 2021, Pat made a lovely quilt for him . I will treasure the memories of our times together and friendship. Sincerely , Joyce Gedcke