CATHERINE VERWYS (KAY) (DEEGAN)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CATHERINE VERWYS Catherine "Kay" Mary Bernadette Verwys (née Deegan) of Winnipeg, MB passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at St. Boniface Hospital, at the age of 83. Kay was born on May 3, 1935 in Celbridge, County Kildare. At the age of 19, she travelled to Canada for six months with her aunt and cousin. While they returned to Ireland, she decided to stay. At a dance in 1958, she met Cary Verwys. He invited her for coffee; six weeks later they were engaged. They were married on June 6, 1959 and danced their way through nearly 60 years together. Cary was the love of Kay's life. For a time, a Samoyed named Chimo was also a cherished part of their small family. Kay held various administrative positions at Investors Syndicate, The Permanent, and Employment and Immigration Canada. When she worked downtown in the 1960s and 1970s, her love of fashion and a bargain would draw her to The Bay's sample sales. She would be wearing a new outfit the next day. Kay loved the arts, especially literature. She was an avid reader. She had a vibrant personality that was reflected in her colourful clothes and makeup. Kay was a good cook, and she and Cary loved to entertain company at their home in St. Vital, as well as their cottage at Falcon Lake. After retirement, happy hours got a lot sunnier when they purchased a property in Mesa, Arizona. Throughout her life, Kay was a practicing Catholic. She observed the fasting and abstinence of Lent but often took a break on March 17 to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Together Kay and Cary travelled the world, visiting most of Europe, Australia, Honduras, Egypt, and a list of destinations too long to complete. They lived life to the fullest until her Alzheimer's disease symptoms forced them to slow down. Meadowood Manor provided a safe, caring home for Kay's final years. Cary extends his sincere gratitude to Meadowood's staff and management. A Memorial Mass for Kay Verwys will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Emile Roman Catholic Church, 566 St. Anne's Road, Winnipeg. Interment to follow at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Meadowood Manor in Kay's memory: Meadowood Manor Foundation, 577 St. Anne's Road, Winnipeg, MB R2M 3G5; 204-588-8507 or mmanorfoundation@gmail.com. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 30, 2019