Patricia Birtch

Patricia Joanne Birtch (nee Milburn) was born December 26, 1931, in Woodstock, Ontario Canada. She passed away on July 19, 2024, after a sudden decline in her health. Joanne was 92 years of age.

Joanne is survived by her loving husband The Reverend Dr. Canon John E. M. Birtch, her daughter Maureen Birtch Roberts (and her husband John) and her son Stephen Birtch. She was predeceased by her parents The Reverend F. W. and Mildred Milburn and her brother R. Wayne Milburn.

Joanne graduated Woodstock Collegiate Institute in 1950 and studied nursing at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing graduating in May of 1953 as an RN. After graduation, Joanne worked in the Emergency Room at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, and at St. Anthony’s in Sarnia Canada. She had additional studies in business while resident in Canterbury, England.

In 1957, Joanne became the Organist and Choir Master of 3 choirs in Sarnia Ontario. In 1958, she opened a large and highly successful pre-school in St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Sarnia Ontario. Joanne was especially proud of this highlight in her list of many accomplishments. Over many years, Joanne served as Organist and Episcopal Choir Director at the many churches she attended as they followed John’s career as an Anglican Priest. Many times, she was also the church secretary as she filled the many niche tasks that needed to be performed as the spouse of a priest.

Joanne also had a successful hobby as a dog trainer. She earned advanced AKC titles on 3 dogs Baron, a Belgian Malinois and Schipperkes Chatter and Butter-Up. 

Starting in 2009 Joanne played for Carpenter’s Chera Choir. She loved to create musical programs and was very proud of the many that she created and performed at Carpenter’s Estates

In retirement they traveled extensively 6 months of the year focusing on state capital buildings, national parks and multiple cruises.

A Requiem Mass will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, 202 South Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, Florida on Monday December 16 at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 815 2nd Avenue, New York, New York 10017, All Saints Episcopal Church, 209 South Iowa Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33801 or Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306.