2016 National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother –
Colleen Fitzpatrick

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National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother Colleen Fitzpatrick.
(Photo: Royal Canadian Legion)

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(Photo: Royal Canadian Legion)

Mrs. Colleen Fitzpatrick was born in New Westminster, British Columbia and raised in Vanderhoof. She lives in Prince George, with her sons, grandchildren and her husband Jim of 32 years.

As the National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother, Mrs. Fitzpatrick laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on 11 November 2016 on behalf of all Canadian mothers who have lost a son or a daughter in the military either in action or in the course of his/her normal duty. 

She lost her middle son, Corporal Darren Fitzpatrick, when he stepped on an improvised explosive device while on patrol in the Zahari district, near Kandahar City on March 6, 2010.

Mrs. Fitzpatrick and Jim raised three sons Michael, Darren and Sean respectively. She has worked in Human Resources for 15 years and is currently the Director of Human Resources for AiMHi – Association for Community Living, an organization that provides advocacy, support and services to people who have special needs.

Her son Darren received significant blood transfusions upon arrival at Kandahar hospital. The incredible medical attention and blood donations received allowed him two additional weeks with his family before his passing. She has become an advocate for blood donation working closely with Canadian Blood Services to develop a promotional video and blood donation campaign called “Remember the Power of Giving” for which she received a national award.

List of National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mothers

(Information courtesy of the Royal Canadian Legion, Canadian War Museum and families of the National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mothers)