Kathleen CALDWELL

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CALDWELL: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kathleen Ada “Kay” Caldwell, after a courageous battle with cancer, at Hamiota Hospital September 10, 2014 at the age of 92. Surviving family are sons Rick, Calgary, Bob (Vicki) of Deloraine. Grandchildren Kelly Morrison (Jon) of Hartney and Ryan (Teresa) of Germany and Great Grandson Alec Morrison. She also had close and loving relationships with her in-laws and nieces and nephews in the Caldwell, Wallace and Robertson families. Kay was born July 15 1922 at Oak Lake, Manitoba to Percy and Tessa Wallace, the eldest of three children. She had a special relationship with her siblings, Elsie and John, throughout the rest her life; both predeceased her. She grew up on the family farm close to Oak Lake and experienced the Great Depression and its hardships. The values of family were ingrained early as was the love of music. Kay attended school in Oak Lake and then went on to the University of Winnipeg to finish high school and take her RN nurses training. Upon graduation, she moved to Hamiota where she met her husband Dalton William Boyd “Pick” Caldwell who had just returned from World War 2. They were married in Oak Lake in 1946 and two sons were born: Rick in 1950 and Bob in 1952. The family lived in Hamiota until 1958 when they moved to Brandon. “Pick” was killed in a car accident in February 1960 and the family moved back to Hamiota where Kay returned to working at the Hamiota Hospital. Nursing was a passion for Kay and she loved her work - she became Head Nurse, Assistant Matron and especially enjoyed her time in the OR as the head operating nurse. Kay was also an enthusiastic gardener and her yard was immaculate. She had her own greenhouse and grew many of her own plants. She loved being outside and lived in her own house until just a few months ago. She was an active member of the Hospital Auxiliary, United Church UCW, and sang in the senior choir until recently. Kay was an accomplished organist and also played the accordion. She also loved to do crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, work with ceramics and sew items for the family. Travelling with her brother John was something she enjoyed in the summer months. Trips to Scotland, Alaska, and the Rockies were all special family times for her. Being with family was always priority one. Kay enjoyed the activities that her sons were involved with and later was especially interested in her grandchildren Kelly and Ryan. She travelled often to watch them play sports or attend their activities which involved many trips to Deloraine and across Canada. She was so happy to get to know Kelly and Jon’s son, her great grandson, Alec, who brought her so much joy. She would have approved of his dancing during the service. Kay was a kind, positive and considerate person. She had several operations in her later years but never once complained and her first concern was always how her visitors were doing because she was “just fine”. Her faith was important to her which gave her comfort as her condition deteriorated. Kay lived a full life. She enjoyed each and every day and loved helping people. She was a wonderful example to others on living a productive and positive life despite the adversity that it presents to all of us. The family would like to thank the people who made her later years comfortable by allowing her to live in her own house; it takes a community to raise a child but it also takes community support to help the elderly live an independent life. Thank you to family, friends and neighbours for their love and support of her wish to live in the environment she enjoyed so much. The family would like to thank the staff; doctors, nurses and support staff at Hamiota Hospital, for their professionalism and their compassionate care. If friends so wish, donations in her name can be made to Hamiota District Health Center, which was Kay’s second home. It was a special place for her, she worked there for 35 years, her children were born there and she passed away there. The funeral service was held at Hamiota United Church on Saturday, September 13. Campbell Funeral Home, Hamiota were in care of the arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 27, 2014