KATHERINE (KATHIE) MARIE KAYE (CANTIN)

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KATHERINE (KATHIE) MARIE KAYE (nee CANTIN) It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Katherine "Kathie" Marie Kaye (nee Cantin) at the young age of 64. In the early hours of July 30, 2013, surrounded by her loving family, Kathie peacefully departed our world. A selfless, caring, compassionate and devoted wife, mother, sister and friend to many, Kathie leaves to mourn her loving husband and best friend of 41 years, John England Kaye. Kathie was born to the late Lionel and Edith Cantin, September 24, 1948, in McCreary, MB. It was also here she met John, whom she married on July 22, 1972 after a five-year courtship. In 1975, they designed and built their dream home out in the country near Dugald, MB. Kathie graduated from McCreary High School in 1966, received a BA in English from Brandon University in 1969 and a B.Ed from the University of Manitoba. After teaching high school for a short while, Kathie took a job at the University of Manitoba Admissions Office. It was here she formed many lasting friendships, and was always ready to organize any office social gathering. Kathie retired after working for 31 years on campus. Kathie was always an extremely musical person whose love of music began at an early age. She could often be heard singing and playing the piano in McCreary, and in later years in her Dugald home. She was frequently caught dancing in the kitchen to whatever CBC had on air while she was making her morning coffee or cooking up something inventive and delicious! Over the years, Kathie was instrumental in creating many wonderful memories and effortlessly made life-long friendships at the family cottage in Victoria Beach. She and John enjoyed countless celebrations with close friends Bob and Ilse McLandress on Sunset Blvd. Special in-laws Gordon and Jeanne Kaye were always a huge part of John and Kathie's life, and no matter where they were living, reconnecting at Victoria Beach was fondly predestined. Kathie will no doubt continue to watch the sunsets with everyone at Victoria Beach for years to come. Kathie was an active member of the Dufresne Women's Institute, never hesitating to organize any number of events and lend a helping hand on any project. She loved being a part of the rural community, and went for coffee with "her ladies" at any opportunity. She loved to travel, and took many wonderful trips with her close girlfriends Alicyn, Iris and Maria. Kathie and John went on numerous adventures throughout the years, and would always regale their friends and family with humorous tales. Most recently she took a trip out to London, UK with Cam to visit Liz at work, a time the siblings will fondly remember forever. Kathie was the matriarch and driving force in many household and family plans. John would often defer to "Head Office" for the final say in major decisions. She was the Engine for this Engineer, helping him sort multiple projects and jobs. Kathie always surrounded herself with the love and loyalty of "dem puppy dogs", taking pleasure in walking them through the trails she created in the forest around the house. Ursa, Madigan and Fergus are feeling the loss of their Mommy. Kathie is also survived by her two children Liz, Cameron; treasured niece Michele; brothers John (Seigi) and Robert (Judy) Cantin; sister Bette Tardiff (Gilles); sister-in-law Jeanne and brother-in-law Gordon Kaye; nieces Donna Kaye Harris (Kylo) and Laura Gilroy; nephews Marc, Andre and Robert, Michael, Robert, Ron and Dan (Sandra) and 10 grand- nieces. She was predeceased by her dear brother, Maurice Cantin of McCreary, MB and her sister- in-law Margaret Kaye. Kathie will be remembered over every cup of coffee, every Scrabble Game, all trips to Victoria Beach, in the flower gardens and landscape of her Dugald home and in the halls of the University of Manitoba Fort Gary Campus. Donations in Kathie's memory can be made to CancerCare Manitoba. A celebration of Kathie's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 7 at the Oakbank United Church, 582 Balsam Crescent in Oakbank with Rev. Cathy Kinsman presiding. Seasons Funeral Chapel www.seasonsfunerals.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 03, 2013