KATHLEEN LUTY (KAY)

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KATHLEEN LUTY (KAY) It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Kay Luty (nee Soltys) at 86 years of age on December 11, 2007 at Riverview Health Centre. Born in Winnipeg on March 4, 1921 to Fred and Mary Soltys, her formative years were spent in the north end. Following a temporary stay in Halifax during the war years, she returned to Winnipeg's St. James area to raise her young family. In the mid-sixties the family relocated to Windsor Park, and she began a new and remarkably successful entrepreneurial career as proprietor of Windsor Bowling Lanes and, later but simultaneously, Sno-White Diaper Service. Her active retirement years commenced in 1973 and were full of adventure. Fourteen years saw her relocate first to Kelowna, BC, then to Phoenix, Arizona and finally back to the Okanagan in Westbank, BC before returning home to Winnipeg in 1987. She remained passionately active over the next ten years by joining numerous social organizations and generously donating her time for a number of non-profit and charitable causes. Sadly, her health began to fail in the late 90s. Following a serious stroke, she courageously battled back over several years and regained much of her previous capacity. However, an additional stroke severely limited her ability to perceive and interact with the world. Despite the damages that caused her to slowly lose her ability to see, hear and communicate, remarkably, she retained her ability to laugh and smile with delight at the smallest and simplest things. Her strength of character and unwavering positive attitude will forever inspire those she left behind. She will be remembered for far too many things to list, but among them: Her love and devotion to her kids. Her loyalty and generosity to friends. Her infectious smile. Her love of flowers and plants, and gift of gardening. Her ability to turn a house into a home. The pure joy in her face and heart. Her simple needs, and delight in the smallest things. The world is a much colder place without her presence. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Fred Soltys, and sister Stella Cooper. She is survived by her three sons, Stanley August, Robert Joseph and Timothy Frederick; her childhood friend Zenovia (Snow) Charowsky; and dearest friends Bob, Michelle and Vanessa Labossiere. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks for the loving care extended by the numerous health-care professionals supporting her during the last years of her life. Particularly the staff of CD3 at Riverview Health Centre, whose love and compassion was immeasurable, and so profoundly appreciated. In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, December 17 at 1:00 p.m. at Klassen Funeral Home. Arrangements entrusted to KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME 1897 Henderson Hwy. 338-0331 www.klassenfuneralhome.com Life stories may be shared with friends and family across the globe at www.mem.com.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 15, 2007