The Patterson Family
Elly Patterson
Elly Patterson juggles the daily duties of being a dedicated mom and wife and a willing ear to friends. While sometimes wishing for nothing more than a few quiet minutes to herself, she thrives on being involved and active. We are endeared to her as she demonstrates, in her humorous way, that it's okay to be human while juggling life's demands—even when her Superwoman T-shirt is in the laundry!
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John Patterson
John is Elly's devoted and steadfast counterpart. He is a dentist, a role he takes seriously. His work comes second only to his family. John's forward thinking makes him an innovator and instigator. "You don't know if you can do it if you don't try." He may seem to take a back seat sometimes, but it's his strength of character and calm demeanour that keeps the family "on track."
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Michael Patterson
Michael is now a university student, coming home for the summer to work and to be close to his family (and save money on rent!) He's looking forward to becoming a journalist and is starting to dip his toes into professional waters—while still making plenty of time to party.
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Elizabeth Patterson
Elizabeth likes to be involved. There is always something going on around the house, and by following her family around, she is sure to find something she can help with! Whether it is working in the garden and kitchen with her mom, taking an interest in Michael's phone calls, helping with little April, or finding out what Daddy is looking at in the newspaper, Elizabeth thrives on being with people.
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April Patterson
April Patterson is a cute, vocal and active baby who was born during an ice storm on April 1st. She was a surprise addition to the family. Forty-year-old mom, Elly, was not planning on getting back into the diapers-and-sleepless-nights mode at her age, but now that April has arrived, Elly and the rest of the family couldn't be happier. She was meant to be!
Edgar
Edgar is Farley's son by way of Connie's dog Sera. Farley got out of the backyard one day and the result was a litter of pups.
Grandpa Jim
Grandpa Jim Richards was Elly's father. He played guitar, harmonica, piano and zither.
Grandma Marian
Marian was Elly's mother. She was an excellent calligrapher.
Uncle Phil
Phil is Elly's brother. He is a professional trumpet player and music teacher. He ate a lot of gummy bears while quitting smoking.
Aunt Georgia
Georgia married Uncle Phil. She is an audiologist at a hearing clinic. Her parents claimed they almost named her "Mississippi," but picked "Georgia" at the last minute.
Grandma Carrie
Carrie was John's mother. She loved to knit, crochet and tat.
Grandpa William
William was John's father. He was a miner who spent a lot of time underground. He loved mystery novels, especially Agatha Christie.
Spoiler Zone
Keep reading to see more major characters from the later years of FBorFW.
If you haven't read the entire strip, you may want to skip this section!
Farley
Farley was the first Patterson pet. They adopted him from their neighbour, Thelma Baird, who tugged Elly's heartstrings by claiming he was the runt of the litter and needed extra love.
In memory of Farley
Mr. B
Mr. B was purchased by Elizabeth at a farm auction when she was visiting her aunt and uncle's farm in Manitoba. Elly and John were surprised to see her return from her trip with a new pet in a carrier!
Butterscotch
Butterscotch was given to April by a classmate whose mother didn't want a pet in the house.
Shiimsa
Elizabeth took in a stray kitten while living in Mtigwaki and named her Shiimsa, which is Ojibwe for "little friend from the animal kingdom."
Dixie
Dixie was Grandpa Jim's collie, whom the Pattersons adopted briefly while Jim settled into his new home.
Deanna Sobinski-Patterson
Deanna is Michael's wife. The two met in elementary school and Michael developed an instant crush. She has a sister named Andrea, who only appears at Mike and Deanna's wedding.
Meredith Patterson
Meredith is Mike and Deanna's eldest child. Her nickname is "Merrie," and she lives up to it.
Robin Patterson
Robin is Mike and Deanna's youngest child. He really, really likes ducks.
Anthony Caine
Anthony was Elizabeth's high school boyfriend. They grew apart in their late teens when they each moved away to different universities. Anthony married someone else (Thérèse) and had a daughter, Françoise. After that marriage failed, Liz and Anthony decided to give their relationship another try shortly after Liz moved back to Southern Ontario.
Françoise Caine
Françoise's parents are Anthony and Thérèse Caine. Most people call her Francie, although a few people get away with "Frankie."
Iris
Iris is Grandpa Jim's second wife. She and Jim eloped to England together. She is a prize-winning baker specializing in butter tarts.