- Brandon Sun Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
KATHLEEN MARIE KIRK -
Born: Sep 07, 1951
Date of Passing: Jun 03, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryKATHLEEN MARIE KIRK 1951 - 2015 After a valiant struggle, Kathleen succumbed to the ravages of ALS on June 3, 2015. Kathy was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, cousin and friend. She was born on September 7, 1951, attending St. Alphonsus, St. Mary's Academy and the University of Manitoba. She spent 32 years working as a teacher and teacher-librarian until, due to her diminished physical abilities, it became necessary to go on long-term disability. She was honoured to have her school library renamed "The Kathleen Kirk Resource Centre". ALS is a disease of gradual loss of physical abilities. Kathy took each physical loss, as well as the loss of her beloved husband Bob, in stride, adjusted and forged on with courage and humour. With the help of family, friends, nurses and health care aides she continued to live her life to the fullest, hosting parties and meetings, attending art exhibits, plays and dinners out. Kathy even took an Alaskan cruise and two cross-country trips while confined to a wheelchair. Shortly after her diagnosis, Kathy became involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and served as President for two years. She later joined the ALS Society and served on the Board of Directors. She was awarded the ALS Volunteer of the Year as well as the Honorary Life Member Award from the National ALS Society of Canada. In 2012, Kathy received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, awarded to those who have made outstanding and exemplary contributions to their communities. Kathy was predeceased by her husband Bob, her mother Gloria Knight and her in-laws Cameron and Doreen Kirk. She leaves to mourn her father Fred Knight; cousin Barbara Pertson; sisters Nora and Pat McDermid, Margaret and Vern McKernan, Shirley and Paul Mann, Elinor and Ken Friesen, Elizabeth and Robert Amborsky; brothers Timothy and Dalyce Knight, Richard and Karen Knight; in-laws Alan and Barb Kirk, Sheila and Rodney Cook, and numerous nieces and nephews. Kathy will be greatly missed by her aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and health care practitioners who have become friends. The family would like to express their profound appreciation to the staff at W.R.H.A. Home Care as well as St. Boniface Palliative Care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathy's memory may be made to the ALS Society or charity of your choice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 4588 Roblin Blvd. with a viewing beginning at 6:30 p.m. A private interment will be held at a later date. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 06, 2015
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
-
Kathleen has left us with thoughts on living passionately with each breath and step. In doing so left a legacy of hope and love. Heartfelt condolences to family and friends who joined her in this journey. Her life story gives pause to reflect on a life lived with courage and inspiration. cousins, Susana(Suzy)VanBochove-Clemens and Leona(Onie)Slomka Clemens - Posted by: susana (suzy) vanbochove (clemens) (cousin) on: Aug 16, 2015
-
To Kathleen's extended family, my heartfelt condolences. I will remember Kathleen for her love of learning, her unfailing and insatiable intellectual curiosity about great ideas and new discoveries, her lightening-speed wit and humorous retorts that always peppered our conversations, and of course her courage and generosity of spirit. In a time where Rob Ford heading in for cancer surgery is captured on national news for his courage (lucky man to have a chance at a cure), there is an even more profound courage, too often unsung, but quietly lived out day to day in the face of unrelenting adversity. Such is true not only of Kathleen throughout her journey with ALS, but also of her amazing extended family. You walked the journey with her with patience, humour, celebrations, and no doubt also many days of weariness and sorrow. May it bring each and every one of you great comfort to know that together you enabled Kathleen to do what might seem impossible: to live with dignity and grace to the very end. I consider myself fortunate to have had a little glimpse of the great love that made it possible. - Posted by: Diana Simpson (Former colleague and friend) on: Jun 08, 2015
-
Kathleen was one of the classiest people I ever met ,and could make me laugh in the craziest situations ..ie shopping trips to Polo Park,and dining out. Her courage and fight for life is what I respected the most as well as her kindness ,it was a pleasure and honor to know her over the past 16 years,fly with the angels Kathleen,you will be truly missed!!!! - Posted by: Carla (friend /nurse) on: Jun 08, 2015
-
Sometime you get to know someone through the stories told by others, such as the case with my wife and I. We did not actually meet Kathleen, but feel we did get to know her through the wonderful and joyful stories we heard from Elinor, Kathleen's sister. On many occasions Elinor would share some great adventures related to parties Kathleen would hold, including the cross country trips. She would speak of how Kathleen was full of energy and could outlast almost everyone in attendance. Although we did not physically meet her, our first thoughts when we think of Kathleen is a woman who loved life and family... and did everything she could to fit in as much as she could.... what a wonderful person. - Posted by: Cal & Lori Taylor (Friends) on: Jun 07, 2015
-
Kathleen and I were colleagues at Linden Meadows School in the 1990s. I will always remember her as a committed school librarian with much energy and enthusiasm for her work, including the school-wide projects she initiated. She had creative ideas, as well as the ability to work with staff and get the job done. What is most impressive, however, is that in recent years Kathleen managed to maintain her sense of enthusiasm and energy while dealing with the challenges of ALS. The fact that she continued her community involvement as long as possible, made efforts to stay connected to friends and colleagues, and remained a positive presence for many of us is quite remarkable. Well done, Kathleen Kirk. Well done, indeed. - Posted by: Kathryn (Kitty) Balica (Former colleague and friend) on: Jun 07, 2015
-
Kathleen was on our staff in Seven Oaks as a young teacher in the late '70s. She was firm with students, but really kind, gentle when required and very professional. When she and Bob moved back to Winnipeg, and she lost her devoted husband, I met her again in Assiniboine South School Division. When she contracted ALS she continued to persevere and her approach to her job and to life was amazing. What a positive testament to both students and adults alike. - Posted by: Don Mandryk (colleague) on: Jun 07, 2015
-
Kathy was such a positive person! She was so appreciative of the smallest kindness extended to her. As a teacher, she loved nothing better than imparting a true love of reading to the children in her care! The words of Thomas Campbell come to mind as I think of Kathy, "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die"! - Posted by: Jeanne Gitzel (Colleague at Linden Meadows School and friend) on: Jun 06, 2015
-
Kathleen was such a beautiful and amazing person. I will never forget the time I spent with her and how much wisdom she passed along to me. She was always bright, cheery and positive and could make anyone around her happy. Als is a terrible disease but you would never know that from Kathleen, she did not dwell on what came from the disease but took what it gave her and kept going. She will be forever missed. - Posted by: Courtney Mansbridge (rosen) (Friend) on: Jun 06, 2015
Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery
1291 McGillivary Blvd. (Map)
Ph: 2049251120 | Visit Website