KATE ANN PALSSON (FINLAYSON)

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KATE ANN PALSSON (nee FINLAYSON) It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of Kate Ann Palsson, our mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law and aunt on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at the age of 94 years to her spirit world. Left to mourn her passing are daughter Kristine Palsson, son Clayton Palsson (Vera), grandchildren John Zasitko, Lovey Zasitko, Joey Zasitko (Maxine), Noelle Palsson, Melanie and Andrea Palsson, great-grandchildren Brennan Zasitko, Jared, Bradley and Cody Hildebrand, Chandler and Garett Zasitko, great-great-grandchild Zack Hildebrand, and brother-in-law Steini Palsson, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Paul Palsson, daughter Marion Palsson-Zasitko, sons Donald Palsson and Harvey Palsson, parents Marion Matheson-Finlayson and Donald Finlayson, brothers Archie (Mary) and Donald (Pat) Finlayson (son Roderick). She was also predeceased by many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Kate celebrated life more with every passing year and said that she was fortunate to live a long, happy and healthy life. She was born May 18, 1920 and grew up in Toronto, Ontario. She was proud of her Scottish heritage and was also a proud Canadian. When Kate lived in Toronto, she worked at a bank and at a radio station. She spent many weekends at her parent's cottage swimming and fishing. Kate travelled to Scotland, Iceland, Alaska and Florida, and across Canada. Kate met her husband, Paul Palsson when he was stationed in Toronto with the Royal Canadian Air Force. After the the Second World War ended, they moved to Lundar, MB for a while. Then they farmed near Chatfield, MB on their ranch called "Burnt Lake Ranch". They farmed for 25 years until they moved back to the town of Lundar. Kate then worked at the Lundar School as the Secretary for the principal until she retired after 14 years in the workforce. Then they moved to Teulon for a couple of years until they realized they were always in Arborg with friends so they moved to Arborg. After Kate's husband Paul Palsson passed away January 14, 1991, she moved to Winnipeg to be near her children. Kate had many interests and was always learning new things. Kate belonged to the Royal Canadian Legion and held many positions at branches in Lundar, Arborg and Elmwood Legion in Winnipeg. She loved her Legion buddies and enjoyed being a Dorm Dean at the International Peace Gardens Sports Camp for the Legion. She was a Girl Guide when she was young then became a Girl Guide leader in Lundar. She was a Ham Radio operator in Arborg and with the Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club. She enjoyed trips to the International Peace Gardens to meet with the Ham Radio operators from all over Canada and the U.S.A. Kate attended church in Lundar and played the organ in church. Kate did a lot of volunteer work throughout her life. We encourage family and friends to take a few moments to celebrate Kate's life through personal reflections and happy memories you shared with her. Kate asks that everyone remember the good times they shared with her and to take a friend for coffee. Kate's words "God Bless you all and be good to each other. Life is what you make it." We thank all the people at The Luther Personal Home Care that took care of Kate and all the volunteers that made Kate's days interesting and happy during the past two years. In compliance with Kate's wishes there will be no formal funeral service. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at a later date in the summer. "There will always be a heartache and a silent tear, but always precious memories of the days when you were here. We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain, to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 24, 2015