Kathleen died peacefully and with grace and dignity on the evening of November 23, 2015. Her loving husband, Michael, was never far from her side, especially in the last few challenging months.
Born in 1920 to Charles and Leila Young on a farm in southern Manitoba, Kay grew up in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Music was her passionate focus, and at a young age she earned her Toronto Conservatory Degree. Study of piano and organ took her many places; in early 1945 while travelling by train to eastern Canada, she met the future love of her life Michael, a charming young Italian in the Canadian Navy. A strong connection was forged by their shared love of music – they corresponded for the remainder of the war while he was overseas, married in August 1946, and settled in London, Ontario. In 1950 they moved to Calgary where the family grew. Life was full of family activities, music teaching and performing, and participation in church, community and service organizations. In 1967 the family moved to Coquitlam, BC, and in 1985 Mike and Kay retired to Qualicum Beach where they continued involvement in music and service organizations.
Kathleen saw much change in her 95 years; through it all she was adventurous, independent, resourceful and determined.Intelligent and always eager to learn, she was talented in many fields. Always generous, she delighted in creating a warm and supportive home for family and friends. Most of all, she was a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother, and the perfect soul mate for Michael during their sixty-nine years of marriage.Greatly saddened and holding her forever in their hearts are husband Michael, children Kathleen (Ken), Barbara (the late Cashman), Karen (Robert), Michael (Louise), grandchildren Kris, Tiffany (Josh), Roger (Shannon), Rebecca (Chris), James (Maralee), Sarah (Joel), Brittany, Julia, Michael, Scott, Brian and nine great-grand-children.
Special thanks to the compassionate and caring staff at Qualicum Manor, the Fern Tree Clinic Staff and Dr. Kevin Martin, Medicine Centre Staff, home-helpers Pauline and Leslie and all of Mike and Kay’s wonderful neighbours and friends.
A graveside service and celebration of life attended by family and friends was held November 30, 2015.