Kathleen died on August 27, after a 9-month struggle with cancer. As she declined physically, she never lost her wit and intelligence, and went out on her own terms. Kathleen was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Max, and is survived by her daughters Jane (Fred) and Tracy (Stephen).
Kathleen was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. At 18, she moved to London, England, where she met Max. After a short courtship, they were married and moved to Canada. Their first stop was Nipigon, where they shared a shack with no hot water and an outhouse. From that inauspicious start, they moved a number of times, eventually settling in Oakville for many years. A post-retirement job for Max brought them to their final home in Victoria.
Kathleen was an athlete all her life. In Ireland she played camogie, but her true passion was tennis, to which she was introduced in Oakville. When tennis became too difficult, Kathleen transitioned to golf and gym.
Kathleen’s friendships were of the utmost importance to her, and she had deep and long friendships with many people. Those long-term friends, and the neighbors in Victoria who became friends over the past two decades, made Kathleen’s senior years a joy. They are too many to list, but the family is grateful to them all.
The family is also grateful to the compassionate staff at Victoria Hospice where Kathleen spent her last few days. Their care and understanding are boundless. The family would like to particularly thank Dr. J. Henderson and Dr. K. Schneider.
Kathleen was fiercely independent, and loved her sports, her trips to Mexico, her family and her friends. Nothing was more important to her than the knowledge that her daughters were happy and secure. Thanks Mum, for raising us to be strong and independent. We will miss you.
The family will hold a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers Mum would appreciate support to Victoria Hospice.
Those we love don’t go away.
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near.
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Janice Russell
-
Leslie Reece Our little group of ladies at the gym will miss Kathleen. Our coffee chats while waiting for her bus to arrive was always a delight. I was thrilled to see her again at Butcharts this summer. Such a sweet, kind and lovely person, with that twinkle in her eye. She had a great laugh too. My regards to her family, she spoke so proudly of her girls.
-
Nancy M Houle Kathleen was always upbeat and fun, witty with a quick giggle and laugh. Myself and friends from the weightroom listened to many of her life stories for years, while sitting with a coffee. Common sense and intelligence always shined through. Mondays through covid was weights and Tim Hortons for us, something to look forward to in the bleak covid times. Mondays won’t be the same.
Rest In peace Kathleen. ❤
-
helen deachman That little four-line poem says it all! She was always THERE when you needed to talk to someone.
She was so nutty and kind at the same time. I have such fond memories of her and her wisecracks
and her good sense.
Let’s not lose touch. Even a Xmas card.Much love,
Helen
-
Eileen Hawkin I will really miss this lovely lady. Having her for a friend has been a lot of fun. May she Rest In Peace!
Eileen
-
Sandra Levy Your mother was a great lady, always friendly and gracious. She is missed in he neighborhood.
Sandra Levy
I cut your Dad’s hair for many years, your Dad was an amazing man. He loved his daughters and wife so much. I met your Mom when your Dad didn’t drive anymore, she also was an amazing cool lady. I asked your Dad how did he raise two such accomplished daughters. He always said it wasn’t him, it was Kathleen. Sorry for your loss. Janice Russell