Meet the For Better Or For Worse Characters

Elly Patterson

Loving wife and mom, and typical, doting grandmother. Retired as a successful businesswoman/owner of an independent book and toy store. Cornerstone of the family — a little square, but still a rock you can lean on. Belongs to the Downtown Improvement Association, sits on the board of the local theatre, has taken up photography as a hobby and is committed to organizing boxes of family photographs. Enjoys walking with her opinionated neighbor and friend, Connie, and looks forward to the new challenges that come with her retirement freedom.

John Patterson

Supportive and loving husband, caring father, dedicated grandpa, great dentist. Loves spending time with his family, his trains and his elderly father-in-law. Dentist by profession, artist by nature, loves making miniatures. "I like to take a subject that intrigues me and cut it down to size!" He’s an auto buff (loves buff cars) and loves to cruise the roads in his Crevasse. A date with Elly is dinner at the Lucky Clucker and a trip to the hardware store.

Michael Patterson

Eldest son of John and Elly — paved the way for his two siblings, meaning "Mom and Dad learned on him!" Husband to Deanna, whom he loves. His daughter, Meredith has him wrapped around her little finger, and his son, Robin, can be found wrapped around his dad’s leg! Writing is both his work and his hobby. He hopes to be a novelist someday even if he's never published. Diplomatic, self-respecting and loyal, Michael has a sense of justice, a sense of humor and just plain common sense!

Deanna (Sobinski) Patterson

Young wife and mother, still learning how to handle both roles. Combines parenting with full-time pharmacy career. Learning to juggle motherhood and career goals — sometimes she drops the ball. Adores her inlaws, Elly and John Patterson. Has a tense relationship with her mother and adores her dad (relatively speaking). Anxiously awaits monthly Lots for Tots magazine to check out new parenting strategies but usually sticks with "what works for us". Loves to read, cook, sews when she has time, and tries to be a regular at the gym. Carrying and chasing toddlers is often exercise enough.

Meredith Patterson

Parents are Michael and Deanna Patterson. Born Oct. 10, 2002, Meredith is growing up so fast her clothes can't keep up with her. Grandparents are John & Elly Patterson, and Wilf & Mira Sobinski. Best pals are Auntie April, her stuffed dog Woofie and her younger brother, Robin. Meredith is already learning how to read. She’s inquisitive, tries to be helpful, loves to build things and can sing on key. Her favorite foods are anything cooked by Grandma Elly — especially warm butter tarts and vanilla ice cream. She’s with her dad when it comes to Brussels sprouts; they don’t go in!

Robin Patterson

Michael and Deanna’s second child, a son, was born November 1st, 2004. Their number of children has doubled, but their amount of sleep has been cut in half! This baby boy is prone to nasty ear infections and demands much attention. Robin is the perfect model for Grandma Elly’s photography hobby; every step, every bite and every antic is well documented. To Grandpa John’s delight, Robin has a natural attraction to toy trains. When not in pain, he’s a sweet-natured and fun loving child. His favorite food is caramel pudding — which he’d rather drink from a bowl than fidget with spoons, one mouthful at a time.

Elizabeth Patterson

Middle child of the Pattersons — all grown up. A teacher who is passionate about making a difference in a child's life. Not a time waster — to Elizabeth, making a bed is a waste of time! Loves Native culture. Enjoys dating, but is a loyal companion when in a relationship. She loves the outdoors, is an excellent swimmer, she’s mechanical and capable when it comes to handling household repairs. Her inventive and artistic teaching style intrigues her students. She’s compassionate, but a strict disciplinarian. Elizabeth keeps in touch with her good friends Candace, Dawn and Shawna-Marie who are all now in committed relationships and ready to settle down. Elizabeth now resides in the Toronto area, after two years of teaching in the northern, native community, Mtigwaki, and is dealing with both the shock of re-entry and the loss of friends and a lifestyle she deeply enjoyed. Elizabeth loves to be close to her family and hopes to put down roots somewhere close to them. She is an open-minded, modern woman with old-fashioned morals.

April Patterson

Youngest daughter of the Pattersons — teen #3 for Elly and John! Loves her dogs, and her bunny. Plays guitar in a band named "4 Evah and Eva" and has more talent than she thinks she does. Has an immense affinity for Grandpa Jim. Loves to snowboard, especially with boyfriend, Gerald. Babysits and works at the downtown bookstore. Independent, opinionated and stands up firmly for her beliefs when she knows what they are. She’s honest, straight up and open minded. Her acceptance of others who are different is one of her traits of which her parents are most proud.

Jim Richards

Active senior and WWII veteran. Living in large, modern seniors' complex, with his wife, Iris. Loves music, and when he’s up to it, he plays in a band called "The New Bentwood Rockers". Loves to spend time with daughter Elly and her family (also loves the silence when they all go home). Reminisces about the war times with his buddies at the local legion, guys who are fewer in number every year. Heart and back problems confine him sometimes, and he’s not as patient as he used to be, but his sense of humor and his love for his wife, Iris, keep him going strong.

Iris Richards

Married Jim after they were both widowed. Enjoys cooking, traveling, spending time with friends and family. Enjoys crocheting, quilting, reading mystery novels and helping at the food bank. Loves dancing with Jim — often it's at home, just the two of them. Aspires to keep a youthful spirit even though the face in the mirror reflects the lines of graceful age. She’s closely connected to her three children, who are married, living in Arizona, Alberta and southern Ontario, and tries to travel often to see them. She adores her own grandchildren and is fortunate to have Jim’s grandchildren so close by.

Edgar

The yellow lab/sheepdog cross is the clumsy leader of the pet pack. Edgar’s even-tempered disposition is challenged by creeping toddlers and taunting squirrels. He takes great pleasure in the lawn sprinkler followed by a good, back scratchin’ roll in the dirt, much to Elly’s vacuuming displeasure! Edgar gives and receives much love and affection to the Patterson family members, particularly those with food near by.

Dixie

This sheltie loves the special "treats" that only Grandpa sneaks from the dinner table; she's the dutiful follower of Edgar, who isn't sure where he's going. Dixie, truly Grandpa’s best friend, was a steadfast companion to him following the death of his wife, Marian. Dixie’s agility and speed are mellowing as she ages, and she has a shorter fuse for other dogs and puppies she meets while strolling with Grandpa and Iris. She’ll always rise to the occasion for kisses and attention!

Butterscotch

Butterscotch Bunny is by far the smallest of the three but knows how to handle herself. Dixie and Edgar stay clear of her teeth and her big feet. If she has to, she'll use 'em. Even though she’s been squirted with water she still chews the baseboards and the occasional jolt from an electrical outlet seems to "perk her up."

Shiimsa

Shiimsa is Elizabeth’s pet cat. Her name means "little animal friend". She was a stray, warmly adopted by Elizabeth during her stay in Mtigwaki, Ontario. "Little Animal Friend" or not, she still needs to work on bonding with her lagomorph and canine cousins.

Farley

Although he's now in pet heaven Farley is still often thought of as just snoozing in the hallway.

Mr. B.

Also in pet heaven, Mr. B. is fondly remembered whenever someone notices the old teeth marks in the constantly repainted baseboards of the Patterson home.