December 31, 1952 – March 20, 2017

I can’t tell you in a few words what Katherine meant to us. A flame burns at the centre of any loving family. For our family, Katherine was the keeper of that flame. She loved us without limit. When we hurt, she made it better. When we dreamt of something, she moved mountains to make that dream come true. Her greatest joy was making us happy. When our memories of family started to fade, she rekindled them: she was our family historian and archivist, uncovering our lineage and preserving priceless memories of our past with her albums and videos. She was the spirit of generosity at Christmas, of ghouls and goblins at Halloween.  She adored us, making us feel special, safe and loved. She was our family’s beacon, showing us the way home. ‎

Now her light has gone out. Katherine died on March 20, 2017 of complications from a failed kidney transplant. Her last days were spent at St. Joseph’s hospital in Hamilton. But her best days were spent in Brooklyn, New York, Old Field, Long Island, and Dundas, Ontario. She was so many things: wife of Jim; mother of Jason and Preston; mother-in-love of Catriona, doting Nana of Beatrice and Callum; adoring daughter of William and Rosemary; sister of Diana, Richard and Laurie. Her heart and home found room for the shabbiest abandoned dogs, sometimes five at a time. She had the soul and the touch of an artist: her incandescent stained glass pieces grace shops and homes across Ontario. She leaves behind her “stained glass support group” – students she taught, friends she loved. She also leaves behind her wonderful group of friends collected at every stop along the way: Ward Melville, Park Slope, Montclair and Dundas. ‎

Katherine was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 31, 1952. She leaves us now at 64 years old. Far too soon. It hurts to think of a future without her. ‎

Later this spring, Katherine’s family will be holding a celebration of her life for friends and family. In lieu of flowers we encourage donations to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation of Canada (www.endpkd.ca). Our family is grateful to the dedicated, caring team of doctors and nurses at the St. Joseph’s Renal Transplant Unit who worked tirelessly trying to bring Katherine home again.