Pat was born at her home, 27 William Street, Rugby on Monday, 19th December 1932 to William Henry Thompson and Florence Maude Thompson (nee Worbey). Shortly after her birth, the family moved to a property at 44 Union Street. Pat was christened Nancy Lilian Patricia Thompson but in common with her sister, they both hated their given names, so much so that people who have known Pat for over 50 years did not know until her passing what her real name was. From a very young age she insisted on being called Pat and so she was.