Molly (Patricia) Seon, 65, died at home in Manotick in the embrace of those she loved. Diagnosed in February with pancreatic cancer, Molly chose to spend her remaining time doing what she loved most— time at the cottage, visiting with friends, quilting, gardening, watching her favourite programmes and reading. This end-of-life path was walked with dignity, love and a serenity which was shaped by the words which informed her spirit— grace, surrender and peace.
Always Pat to her family, she was the youngest child of the late Eric (d2011) and Dorothy (d2015) Seon of Leaside, Toronto. There she attended both public and high school and began her career. She was proud to have worked in the test kitchen of Canadian Living Magazine as well as in marketing.
She was a feminist who embraced her skills as a homemaker, explored her creative talent in painting, writing and quilting. Her design sense was reflected in the homes she renovated and decorated, always creating a serene and caring retreat.
Left to mourn her loss is her husband of thirty-three years, Senator Peter Harder, step-son Andrew (Bindu Suresh) and grandchildren Atlin and Nikita; her siblings Janette Georghiou (Paris) of St.John’s NL, Kathy Pearce (Andy) of New Zealand and Chris (Vicki) of Newmarket, ON, as well as both Seon and Harder nieces and nephews of whom she was particularly fond.
Molly loved her pets— a number of cats and in recent years Alice, a wonderful Labradoodle. We are tremendously grateful to Amber and Evan Fox to have shared with Molly “grandmother” privileges.
The family would also like to acknowledge the medical team at The Ottawa Hospital as well as Doctors Bennett, Bright and Naik. Their professional and caring support has been greatly appreciated.
A visitation will take place on October 27th at 12noon at Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) followed by a celebration of life and reception. Interment will follow at a later date at the Vineland Cemetery in Lincoln, ON.
Should you wish to make a memorial donation, please consider the Ottawa Humane Society, the Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine or a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Pamela Wallin
Mark Wartman
Dear Peter and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I can only imagine your grief. May the love that surrounds you comfort you and give you the courage and strength you need for these days.
Mary Tzanaki Athens Greece
Please accept my sincerest sympathies on the loss of your beloved wife and sister. She must have been an amazing person. I am sure her passing was peaceful as she was surrounded by those she loved.
Helmut Harder
May you continue to experience the (Mennonite) attribute of 'Gelassenheit' ('peaceful submission' ) in your time if mourning.
Sergio Marchi
Dear Peter,
Our sincere condolences to you and the family. After her struggles, may Molly now RIP.
Sergio & Laureen Marchi
Norman McGillis
Molly touched my life with her sound and sage advice. She won't be forgotten.
Andrew Cardozo
My sincere condolences. Your many friends and colleagues stop to share your grief.
Jane Cordy
Peter, thinking of you and your family at this time
Wendy Lawrence
To Peter and family: I am writing to express my condolences at the death of Molly. I recall her as a participant in reflections during 'interim ministry' at Southminster United Church a few years ago -- and I especially remember taking a walk in the neighbourhood with her to discuss issues that were emerging at that time. (I think she prompted me to put together some notes on Northrop Frye, who was best known as a literary critic but was also a United Church minister.)
While I did not see Molly after the move to Manotick, I hope that this allowed her the time and space for more of the artistic endeavours which were so important to her.
Please accept my sympathies.
Sincerely,
Wendy Lawrence
Don and Betty Plett
Peter may you feel God’s love and peace during this difficult time. And may you always cherish the extra months that you were afforded with Molly. Time does heal all wounds. Betty and I send our deepest love and condolences.
My thoughts are with you all. And grateful she has been freed from her burden.