It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former Guelph Community Foundation Board Member, Pat McCraw. Pat peacefully passed away at her family home on February 13, 2025, at the age of 95. Originally from Toronto, Pat and her late husband, Bruce, made Guelph their home in 1948. In the following decades she became well known throughout Guelph for her unwavering commitment to improving her community, a passion she continued to pursue well into her late eighties. A dedicated advocate for positive change, she made significant contributions to various organizations focused on women’s issues, children, and community welfare.
Throughout her life, Pat devoted herself to volunteering, often serving as a board member, chair, president, or a key figure in numerous charitable organizations. Her over 50 years of volunteer service include roles with (in alphabetical order):
Farm Radio International, Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County, Guelph and Wellington United Way, The Guelph Chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women, The Guelph Community Foundation, The Guelph Spring Festival, The Guelph Women of Distinction Awards, The Guelph YM-YWCA, Save the Children Canada, YWCA Canada, and Zonta Club of Guelph.
Pat also made notable contributions as a public member of the Ontario College of Pharmacists. She was well known as an enthusiastic member of the Provincial and Federal Liberal organizations, even serving as President of the Guelph-Wellington Federal Liberal Association.
Pat’s dedication was recognized with many honors, including the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award in 2013, awarded for her 50 years of volunteer work. She was also awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 in recognition of her contributions to Canada, and the Guelph Mayor’s Award in 2000.
“We could not begin to count the number of people in Guelph whose lives have been touched and changed for the better directly or indirectly by Pat,” said Judy Brisson, president of the Zonta Club of Guelph, in a 2013 press release (link below).
“Under her quiet demeanor is a woman who is dedicated to advancement of women, equality for children and those in need, and education,” said Cindy Lindsay, former executive director of the Guelph Community Foundation, in the same press release.
Pat’s legacy of service and positive change is evident throughout our community and beyond. Though she will be deeply missed, her influence will continue to be felt throughout her many organizations and the communities they serve in the years to come.