Jul 3, 1922 - Mar 22, 2018
Kay passed peacefully on March 22, 2018 at Columbia View Lodge accompanied by a companion teddy and caring staff.
Kathleen Grace Toogood was born July 3rd 1922 in Elkhorn Manitoba, living to 95yrs. She was the third youngest of six children: Hilda (Les) Read, Philip (Irene), Jim (Hazel), Dorothy and Georgie. Both Dorothy and Georgie died in childhood. Kay never wanted to be called Kathleen and at risk of a swift gong from a serving spoon on my head from heaven, it will be Kay from here forward.
Her family moved to Rossland when she was very young where her father was a carpenter and built many homes that are still standing today. When she was 13 yrs old, her family moved to Australia to catch the construction boom, however Australia did not meet their needs and they returned to Rossland where she resided until becoming a resident at Columbia View Lodge. Kay met Frank through high school and became engaged prior to him being deployed to England and Scotland for World War II. They married August 25th, 1945.
Kay was kind and enjoyed life. She worked part-time as a book-keeper, church secretary, seamstress, wedding cake decorator, corner store clerk, extraordinary volunteer through her church, Deborah Rebekah Lodge #13, the Granny Band and at Mater Misericordiae Hospital with the extended care craft program.
Her life was dedicated to her family first and being a homemaker. She raised 5 children, assisted in raising some of her grandchildren and took in many boarders who were attending the mining school which operated in Rossland; some of these men became family too. She was an amazing baker spoiling us all with fabulous desserts, fresh bread, and her favourite "Mrs. Haddow's Oatmeal cookies" for tea time.
Kay was predeceased by her parents, her siblings, her spouse Frank in 2005 and her son Peter in 2004.
Kay is survived by her children, Syd (Gundy), Chris (Genie), Tom (Claudia) and Nancy (Don) Bowie; her daughter-in-law Sherry Blackwell; her son from another mother, John (Ingrid) Hart; her grandchildren, Melanie (Mike) Kelly, Jesse (Swad), Justin (Duyen), Scott, Lisa (Wes) Ogloff, Theresa, Stephen, Daniel (Julia), David, Natalie (Danny) Ellis, Erica (Ryan) Johnson, Ashley (Scott) Hart, Lindsay (Clark) Hart; her great-grandchildren, Damien, Mimi, Elouise, Jonah, Sophie, Marcus, Carson, Logan, Evelyn, and Clara. She also is survived by nieces, nephews, their children and children's children.
Dementia is a cruel disease that insidiously robs your mind and ability to function. Kay's journey with Dementia was long. I can only hope her spirit soars.
A Memorial service will be held Saturday, March 31st, 2018 at 11:00 am in St. Andrew's United Church in Rossland. Gwen Ziprick of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence by visiting the family's register at www.myalternatives.ca
Thank you to Dr. Benzer, Dr. McCoid and the many staff at CVL who have cared for my mom over the 10 years of her residency. I would especially like to thank Angel, Worthy and the care aide staff who were very compassionate and comforting to my mom in her final days.
Donations in honour of Kay can be made to KBRH Health Foundation for Columbia View Lodge, 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail BC V1R 4M1, or a charity of your own choice.
Dance with the angels, dad and Pete!
Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services