Patricia Adams (nee Straughan), passed away peacefully at Riverwood Senior Living in Alliston, Ontario on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 100 years, 6 months and 1 day.
For over 60 years, Pat was a professional violinist playing in orchestras for the Canadian Opera Company, The National Ballet of Canada, Toronto Symphony Orchestra; at Massey Hall, Ontario Place Forum, Roy Thomson Hall; TV shows such as the Tommy Hunter Show, Street Legal and a plethora of commercials…. you name it, she probably played for it.
Pat was born in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, on December 19, 1925. Due to her father’s health, they moved to Victoria, BC. She became a student of Kathleen Parlow among others and by age 7, she was doing recitals. At 17 she was concert mistress for the Victoria Symphony and, still in high school in 1942, she played piano and sang with a small band, touring the military bases entertaining the troops.
After high school, upon attending the British Columbia Institute of Music and Drama, Pat met Ernest Adams, star of CBC radio’s the “Ernest Adams Show’ and two-time winner of “Singing Stars of Tomorrow.” They moved to Toronto, got married and each embarked on successful careers, allowing them to retire in King City on a 5-acre farm. Ernie was an original member of the Canadian Opera Company, tour manager, and administrator. Ernie died on January 23, 2011.
Although Pat’s passion was music, she also enjoyed gardening and growing incredible African violets and geraniums, rescuing dogs, cats and horses and spending time with her grandchildren, Alex (Angelo), Taylor (Lizzie), Casey (Dylan) and Jessie (Nolan).
Pat was loving mother to Tricia (Richard) and Jolie (Dave) and great-grandmother to Oaklee, Avery, Daphne, Rowan and Eleanor. She was funny, stubborn, generous, honest, clever and always spoke her mind.
Jolie and Trish would like to thank Riverwood Senior Living, all the nurses and PSWs, especially Terry and Monica for their excellent care to mom.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place. In accordance with Mom’s wishes, there will be no funeral service or formal celebration of life at this time. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Gwen Robinson says
Pat was a lovely woman!
I met here at Kingsmere Cres. When she was in her home.
She had so many interest and such a wonderful sense of humour.
She will be missed by all who knew her
Fly high dear Pat and may you and Ernie have a an amazing eternity together