KATHLEEN ROSEMARY BRYDON

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KATHLEEN ROSEMARY BRYDON (née HOUSTON) Devoted, loving wife, mother and grandmother, Kathy passed away peacefully Saturday, May 27 at the Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg, surrounded by family and friends. She leaves behind her husband and paddling partner extraordinaire, John Stuart, daughters, Heather Kathleen and Norah Lynne, son-in-law Cameron, grandchildren, Alistair, Lachlan, Claire, Eric and George, brothers, Dennis (Sandy) and Jim, sister-in-law Janet (Ed) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Elmer and Norah, infant sister Eleanor and aunt "Auntie Bea" Beatrice. Kathy was born in Winnipeg on September 1, 1943 and from the age of six on, lived on North Drive in Fort Garry. After graduating from Vincent Massey Collegiate Institute, she received a Bachelor of Pedagogy from the University of Manitoba and touched the lives of so many people in her career as a teacher, both in Winnipeg and Toronto. She met John at the Winnipeg Canoe Club in 1972, they were married July 4, 1974 and moved back into her family home. When their daughters arrived, wilderness camping, canoeing and cross-country skiing simply became more of an adventure including the four-footed members of the family, Snoopy and Elvira. As a devoted stay-at-home mom, she threw herself whole-heartedly into every aspect of her daughters' lives. She wrapped up her professional career with over a decade as the Homestay Coordinator for the International Student Program for the Pembina Trails School Division before tackling her favourite job - being Granny. Her five grandchildren meant the world to her and she proudly attended every concert and sports event, volunteered on many school trips and more. She spent countless hours caring for them, and helping them make many wonderful memories at home and at the cottage. Her loving presence in their lives helped shape who they are now and who they will become. Aside from her love of children and teaching, Victoria Beach was Mom's great love. Having spent even more years at her family cottage there than at her home on North Drive, she was involved in many aspects of life in the community she loved, including several years as a municipal councillor. While recovering from back surgery as a teenager, it was a blessing for her and her family to be able to spend time at Victoria Beach, her special place. We are greatly comforted knowing she will rest in peace at her favourite place in the whole world. Her indomitable spirit led her to participate in many organizations and activities over the years, including Brownies and Girl Guides, Job's Daughters, Neighbourhood Watch and the Prison Library Committee. She made friends everywhere she went, none more dear than Shawn and Dave Cutler, Frances and Jim Woolison and their families. A heartfelt thank you to the Emergency and ICU staff for their care and attention shown to Kathy and our whole family. We are profoundly grateful for the extra time that she was able to spend with us. Mom's deep dedication, unlimited generosity and fiery spirit will be missed by everyone who crossed her path. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul's Anglican Church at 830 North Drive in Winnipeg, Sunday, June 11 at 2:00 p.m. Reception will follow in the Parish Hall. A celebration of life will be held at Victoria Beach at a later date. www.seasonsfunerals.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 03, 2017