“If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need” (Cicero)
We are sad to have lost our beloved mother and grandmother, for she was in our lives for so very long, until almost 101 years old. Mom lives on in our hearts because to know her was to love her.
She was a kind, smart, optimistic, strong, independent woman who had a big influence upon all who knew her. Mom was happiest at home, in the garden or in her kitchen, especially if there was a meal to cook up for family or friends.
She loved animals and enjoyed a cuddle with a good cat. Her pies go down in history as having the flakiest pastry ever! Mom served as a cook in the Royal Canadian Air Force at Ivy Hall Convalescent Hospital in Niagara Falls during World War II.
She excelled at knitting, crocheting and sewing, and created many beautiful pieces in her lifetime. Mrs. Kay may be remembered by J.C. Hill graduates for the 17 and ½ years she worked there as a teacher’s aide. She was amused by her recess supervision nickname “Kaos” back in the time of Get Smart.
Mom lived in her own home until six days before passing. She loved her view of the ocean and enjoyed 59 years of glorious sunsets, storms, moon phases, boats and ferry traffic, and the annual return of eagles to their nest just off to the corner of her big picture window.
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Martyn Lore Kay, on April 5, 1996. Mom adored her grandchildren Karyn and Adrian Lowther (Erica Rae Reid). She leaves behind two daughters, Cheryl Kay (Ray Kornelis) and Brenda Kay, sister Shirley Bailey (Gerry), sister-in-law Lois Gibbons and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
We are ever grateful to Mom’s wonderful neighbours, who held her in their hearts as well, her friends Val, Jacquie and Eric, Michael, and the Beys. Though her stay in hospital was short, we are thankful for the compassionate care of Dr. DuToit and the nurses who cared for her at qathet General Hospital and Vancouver Coastal Health home care staff.
