“Let there be no pretence” the first words I heard from Pat, before I’d even met her! Words spoken to a group of leaders who were grappling with a difficult challenge.
When I did meet her, I quickly realised that this was an apt description of this lovely lady..Her assessment of things was always honest and perceptive. She didn’t practice denial, and she wasn’t very impressed with others who did. 
Pat lived her life devoted to serving her Saviour Jesus. She was faithful to her Lord, and concerned to live a life worthy of Him and all that He had done for her. 
In the years that she was in my supervision group at Crossline Counselling Service,  whenever we reviewed her progress with a client, it was clear that here was a lady who worked lovingly and persistently to help people face up to the realities of their situation. Pat was incredibly committed to enabling them to find wholeness and resolution in their situation. She prayed earnestly and conscientiously for every client, and was so excited when she had witnessed progress. She went beyond the call of duty and often made herself available for telephone support between sessions or during holiday periods.  
Pat was part of the reception team at the Vine Doctors surgery. Although I wasn’t a patient there, I often visited the premises in a professional capacity, and I remember observing her quietly going about her duties; there was a palpable team spirit among them, and I know she retained contact and friendship with the others right to the end.
For the past eight years, Pat has attended the Vine Church. During that time we would often chat and encourage each other, praying for her family who she loved devotedly, and for her own health. In her long fight with cancer, she continued to hold on to her faith in Jesus. And for some years she served as a volunteer Chaplain in the Oncology Department in Maidstone Hospital visiting and praying for patients, particularly on Lord North Ward. 
I will always remember Pat and “Let there be no pretence” I’m so pleased she is now at peace, where there can be only the ultimate reality.