KATHERINE BEATTIE

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KATHERINE BEATTIE

(nee WHIGHAM)

Katherine Beattie (nee Whigham) passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025 after enjoying a wonderful life of 94 years.

Katherine Beattie, also known as Kay, was born February 22, 1930 in the small village of Bankfoot, Scotland. Mom's early years as a youngster growing up in both Scotland and England were quite hard as she lived not only through the tumultuous times of the Second World War but also endured being brought up at numerous relatives houses and in a children's home.

Mom came by ship from England to Canada in 1948 settling in the Owen Sound, Ontario area where she worked as a bank teller for the Bank of Montreal. Mom met our Dad (Jack Beattie) on a blind date and they married three months later. Military life kept them travelling to various cities in Germany, Canada and the US. Along the way they had four children with three being born in Calgary and one in Fredericton. Money was tight but Mom always found ways to make Christmas and family trips to Toronto magical. After many years of travelling, Mom's family finally settled in Winnipeg in 1967.

Mom began working at Eaton's and then in Property Management where she managed numerous large Winnipeg-area buildings. Mom and Dad divorced in 1985 after which Mom went back to Owen Sound to renew her friendship with Robert Markle whom she had known since she had first come to Canada. Mom and Robert were together for over 20 years ultimately moving back to Winnipeg to be among family.

Mom was a huge Winnipeg Blue Bomber fan and even got to know many of them quite well as a result of managing the buildings where many of them lived. Mom was very much into astrology, predicting her grandchildren's futures as they gathered around her. After retirement Mom kept busy making and selling beautiful jewelry. She also always kept the grandchildren very attentive as she told stories of war time in England.

Katherine was predeceased by her younger sister Betty Whigham, her ex-husband Jack Beattie and common-law partner Robert (Bob) Markle. She is survived by her four children, Jeanette Stewart (Jeff), Margaret Hudson (Bruce), David Beattie (Kathy), Ian Beattie (Angela), and grandchildren, Shayne Van Der Hijde, Rory Van Der Hijde, Kate Olinyk, Marlo Hudson, Sarah Beattie, Sheena Beattie, Scott Beattie, Tyler Beattie, Trevor Beattie and their families. Katherine is also survived by Robert Markle's children, Darlene Delaurier (Larry), Michele McKenzie (Paul) and their children and grandchildren.

As per Mom's wishes there will be no service, however she would like to share one of her favourite sayings with you. "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Champagne in one hand - strawberries in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and shouting - WOO HOO! What a Ride!"

Special thanks to the staff at West Park Manor for their care and kindness to our mother during her stay there.

Until we see you again Mom,

and in your own words "toodaloo".

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 18, 2025