Patricia, was a beloved professor at Durham College in Oshawa.

She loved teaching. She loved her students. And most of all, she loved helping people find their way.

Over the years, Patricia touched the lives of countless students. She believed in them, encouraged them, challenged them, and helped them see possibilities for themselves. She understood that education could change the trajectory of someone’s life, and she cared deeply about making that opportunity accessible.

Patricia passed away in September 2024 after a four year battle with cancer. While we miss her every day, we’ve been thinking about how we can honour her in a way that feels true to who she was.

We want to create the Patricia Whaley Memorial Bursary at Durham College, with a focus on helping students who are facing financial barriers to education, particularly single mothers and students who are working hard to build a better future despite difficult circumstances.

For Patricia, helping people wasn't something she did occasionally. It was part of who she was.

So rather than simply putting her name on a plaque, we want to keep doing what Patricia spent her life doing: helping students.

Our goal is to raise $25,000 to establish a permanent bursary in Patricia's name. The bursary will provide financial support to Durham College students who might otherwise struggle to afford their education.

Please don't feel pressured to donate. We know life is expensive. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help us get closer to creating something that will continue Patricia's legacy for years to come.

If you knew Mom, you know how much this would have meant to her. And if you didn’t, we hope this gives you a little glimpse into the woman she was.

We can't think of a better way to honour her than to help someone else have the opportunity to learn, grow, and build the future they deserve.

Please help us keep Patricia’s spirit of generosity, encouragement and belief in others alive.

With love and gratitude,

Jennifer & Ivan