Kay McDonell

Kay was born in Poland on September 26, 1926.  Her and her mother Cecilia arrived in Canada by ship in 1931 – a journey she would never forget and would relive many times in her dreams.  They joined her father Michael who had arrived two years earlier and settled in Ituna, Sask.  Life in that time was not easy but her father strongly believed in education – school was not an option.  She obtained her grade 12 and would go onto attend Teachers College in Moose Jaw – she noted this was a “complete waste of time!”  She did however finish the course going on to teach first at Ingleside School and Wolverine School years later.  It was however…. NOT her life’s calling!  While in the Ingleside area she met and in 1949 married Jim McDonell.  She would join him in the farming life and raise their 3 children: Loretta, Diane and Taunie here.  In 1977, they moved to Langenburg where they began the retirement process.  During this time, Kay worked in the kitchen at the Care Home.  Kay had loved to “burn the midnight oil” and she would read or crochet into the evening.  She loved her garden, especially the flowers and trees gave her pleasure.   She lived for bingo with friends and coffee at the Chicken Chef.  She could paint and sketch and loved a good debate with anyone; those with Uncle Johnny gave her the greatest satisfaction and pleasure! She also enjoyed curling in the local “spiels” and continued to love watching it on TV all of her life.

She lived at her home for many years after dad’s passing but eventually needed assistance moving to Westview Assisted Living and then into the Care Home as needs progressed.  Whether living close by or only able to visit on vacations and holidays many common threads weave our memories together.

On any major life decisions she was always respectful of our choices.  She never judged; she would offer opinions IF asked but never impose them.  Whatever decision we made we knew she had our backs and helped and supported us in whatever way she could – no matter how old we were!

On the more trivial issues, opinions were abundant.  She was a “straight shooter” and if it ruffled your feathers… well it was up to her to tell you the “RIGHT” way: “You’re going to wear your hair like that – get it cut!”

“You really think that color/outfit looks good on you?”

“Eat some buns if you must go out drinking!”

“For God’s sake put some socks on!”

“Where are you going, there is a storm coming!”

More often than not she was right; both about the weather and her other “ADVICE.”

We loved that her door was always open to us and any extra friends that may have rolled in with us; whether after school or before hockey. After “the bar” or just stopping in for a visit.  No matter our age, we got frequent calls to make sure we made it home.

The grandkids many memories have many similarities: fresh buns, hard cheese, McCain cake and ice cream in the freezer, cabbage rolls and perogies.

 Always in abundance!

 Being able to go with her to the bingo game and on one very special nite being named “Queen of the Night” raking in extra loonies whenever a certain number called, feeling like you may be “the richest person in the world!”

 The bubble pad insert that went in the tub and made baths “extra special”.

 Her “roll mops” for brunch.

 How she was also so worried you were going to be cold; layering on many blankets but yet “your feet” would be too hot in those “darn one-piece sleepers” easily fixed by cutting the foot part of the sleepers off!

 She would always talk over and through entire movies or TV shows.

 Her sneaking out to the garage for smokes.

 Her opinions re: Uncle Johnny and his “HOLLYHOCKS!”

 Playing in her rain barrel.

 Her always having a heating pad in her chair; it cured anything!

 Her crochet lessons.

Her saying she would never get into one of the “tubes in the sky” to go anywhere.

Her love of keeping things in little blue ziplock bags.

These memories bind us all together even though we must stay apart at this time – we will carry them with us forever.

She taught us all to be strong and “fiercely independent” and never failed to remind “not too take SHIT from anyone!”  We would always leave her with a smile on our face and the chuckle of the day about something in our conversation!

Because of the very special concerns and restrictions in place at present we wish to respect and protect the health of family, friends and community.  There will be no public service at this time.  Remember your experiences you have shared over the past 93 years.

We wish to thank and acknowledge:

All the staff that have cared for mom over the past several years; both at Westhaven and Centennial Care Home. Kitchen, laundry, housekeeping, maintenance, activities, All nursing staff including: CNA’S, LPN’S, RN’S, Students and Physicians and lab staff. You have all played a most important part.  Thanks for accepting her quirky “sense of humour” and maintaining yours. It is not an easy job!

Thanks to the many volunteers that bring music, communion or surround their building with beautiful flowers.  Thanks to Father Paul for last rites and other visits. Thanks to Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service for assisting with final arrangements.

Kay was predeceased by her husband, Jim; family members include: Loretta with son Travis (Holly), daughter Melissa (Kevin); grandkids: Brett, Bryan, Finn, Ruby.

Diane (Brian) with daughters: Erin (Craig) and daughter Tori, grandchild Blake.

Taunie (Adrien) with son Shayne (Oralie) and daughter Delanie, grandkids: Easton, and Lennon.

She leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Of her generation of siblings and in laws only two remain: Aunt Betty of Balcarres and Aunt Donalda of Langenburg, Sk.  On mom’s behalf we would like to thank Aunt Donalda for her many years of friendship.