She was a person that everybody looked up to. She had a knack of saying things deep and meaningful, in a simple way. She was funny, and found humour everywhere, and had a way of speaking the truth gently, always being upbeat, fun, loving, and kind.

She was born Patricia Ann Tempest, on April 25, 1941 in Braford, West Yorkshire, England. From school she began nurse training and progressed through to being a senior ward sister in the gynaecology department at St. Luke’s hospital in Bradford. She later moved to Bradford Royal Infirmary to set up the Occupational Health Unit, obtained a university degree in Occupational Health, and stayed there as the Senior Nursing Officer until she retired. She served for 42 years in the National Health Service.

In 2001, she and her husband, Barrie Skipper, decided to leave Bradford for the Algarve to find a new life in the sun. They discovered an abandoned quinta in the village of Amorosa and proceeded to renovate the property and garden. As an active, outgoing couple, they soon became fully immersed in village life. Pat often praised her Portuguese neighbours for their warmth and friendship. It was in Pat’s and Barrie’s nature to help others, and soon they were active in charity work, community clubs, and drama groups.

Their continued embrace of community life in Portugal was so generous and dedicated that a great humour was bestowed on them. On April 25, 2023, the president of Silves, the president of S.B. Messines, and the president of Amorosa held a ceremony in their honour, thanking them for their community service with a set of 12 beautiful bronze medals depicting the history of Silves.

In 2021, Barrie became ill with Alzheimer’s disease, and for three years, Pat lovingly cared for him at home. She was a role model for the community to learn about dealing with a spouse’s illness and decline. Her life in nursing was firmly ingrained in her, with practicality, constant devotion, and her sunny disposition. Fortunately, her daughter Wendy and son-in-law Richard were always there to help.

Just recently, Pat travelled to England to cheer up a lifelong friend who was ill. A week after her return, unexpectedly, she died peacefully in her sleep.

Pat is survived by her brother, Kevin Tempest, her children Wendy May Emrich and Martin Peter Pinnington, and her son-in-law Richard Emrich. She will be missed by her family and friends, and the community of Amorosa.

Last week, a celebration of Pat’s life took place at the Associação Recreativa e Cultural da Amorosa (known as the sociedade).

Pat always had loving rescue dogs. On any day, she would have several conversations with neighbours while walking her dog. She is remembered best by her smile, a wink, and walking on with her dog by her side. Donations in her memory can be made to Tiny Shelter Albufeira https://www.tinyshelter.org/