The flags at municipal facilities in Petrolia were at half-mast Monday, as the community mourns the loss of a former town councillor.
Mary Pat Gleeson died Saturday at the age of 73.
In a statement, Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer Rick Charlebois called Gleeson a strong, fiercely independent woman whose pride in Petrolia was unmatched.
"Ms. Gleeson was an unwavering supporter of Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital, catalyst for the development of the Central Lambton Family Health Team, Chair of the Central Lambton Family Health Team Board, a vocal member of Charlotte’s Task Force, a tireless volunteer for Doctors for Petrolia, and a former member of several Town of Petrolia Committees including; The Health and Wellness Advisory Committee and The Community Services Advisory Committee," said Charlebois.
Gleeson spent much of her career working in Toronto and Vancouver as a script editor and copy writer in the film industry. When she returned to Petrolia, she mentored local professionals to improve their communication skills.
"Ms. Gleeson served our community on three terms of Petrolia council where she was a vocal advocate for all things Petrolia," Charlebois said. "Although, her love for Petrolia did not start there, it started a long time before that. She learned from her parents - other strong advocates for Petrolia - and then developed further when she worked in parks and recreation for the town."
Charlebois said Gleeson has left them with a strong hospital and thriving health team.
"But most of all, the permission to carry her legacy, and continue her work in her famous phrase of 'off you go, then,'" he said.
Arrangements for Mary Pat Gleeson have been entrusted to the Needham Jay Funeral Home.
