A Legacy of Compassion

For longtime supporter Pat, giving back has always been rooted in kindness, curiosity, and a deep love of community. Her journey with the Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) began years ago when she noticed several friends experiencing mild cognitive decline. Concerned for their wellbeing and thinking ahead to the needs of others in similar situations, Pat felt compelled to support an organization making a tangible difference. 

A lifelong learner who enjoys Sudoku, good conversations, and exploring new ideas, Pat is endlessly inquisitive. Her passion for learning even influenced her decision to leave a gift of life insurance to AST—an act she describes not as generosity, but as simply “putting her money where her passion lies.” 

Pat’s life story is as rich and vibrant as her personality. She immigrated to Canada in 1965 and built a fulfilling career as a teacher, including time spent at St. Clements School in Toronto. Adventurous by nature, she travelled around the world three times—on her own—during the 1970s. Today, she remains an active member of her church community, serving as an usher and cherishing the friendships she has built there. 

One friendship in particular deepened her connection to AST. When a close friend from church was diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia, Pat accompanied her to the Society’s music program. She witnessed firsthand the joy the program sparked—how someone who rarely spoke began singing along when the music started. That moment stayed with Pat.  To her, the program was nothing short of transformative: “a marvelous, wonderful” example of AST’s compassionate work and dedicated staff. 

Pat laughs as she reflects on her priorities: “I don’t love to shop and buy, I put my money where my passion lies, and that is helping others.” She also deeply values the programs and print materials AST provides, noting how helpful they are for families and individuals navigating dementia. 

When it comes to legacy giving, Pat is straightforward in her advice: don’t wait. She didn’t choose her gift for tax reasons, she jokes—her true motivation is knowing she is helping people. She enjoys learning about different ways to give and encourages others to explore their options: “If you find a project or charity of interest, just get on with it,” she says. “I plan to continue to donate as long as I can!” 

Her decision to donate a life insurance policy is one powerful way to support a cause she cares deeply about. Whether transferring ownership of a policy or naming a charity as a beneficiary, legacy gifts can be an accessible and meaningful avenue for donors. They also offer benefits such as charitable tax receipts and the ability to make a significant future impact with a modest initial investment. 

Energetic, social, and full of life, Pat embodies the spirit of generosity that keeps our community strong. Her legacy gift ensures that future generations will continue to receive the hope, care, and connection that mean so much to her—and to all those touched by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

To share your own story, please email kbrackley@alz.to.