CATHERINE (KAY) DONNELLY

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CATHERINE (KAY) DONNELLY Kay passed away peacefully at Mount St. Mary Hospital in Victoria, BC on November 28, 2010, at the age of 97. Her amazing memory and quick wit were with her until the very end. Had Kay been a contestant on Jeopardy, she would have shattered all records. Kay is predeceased by her brother Joe Donnelly, sister Clare Stringer and nephew Richard Stringer and survived by sister-in-law Barbara Donnelly, nephew Michael and niece Mary and their families and by Richard's wife, Carol Stringer and their son and Kay's grandnephew, Matthew, of whom she was exceptionally proud. Kay will also be deeply missed by many wonderful friends, including Norma Sinclair and the Sinclair family, who were always so kind to her. Kay was born in Dewsbury, England on February 25, 1913. She worked as an English governess and then, during the Second World War, as a code-breaker at top secret Bletchley Park. Shortly after the war, she dropped everything to come to Canada to help her sister raise Richard after Clare's husband died suddenly. Kay worked as a travel agent in Winnipeg for many years, first at Mackie Travel and later Carlson Wagonlit, and travelled the world. While she never married, Kay was universally regarded as a warm, loyal and thoughtful friend and was like a family member to many. She was also a devoted volunteer at her parish church, St. John Brebeuf, and supported many charitable causes at home and abroad. A proud Winnipegger, Kay co-hosted many memorable Grey Cup parties at 684 Montrose Street and passed away on Grey Cup Day, prior to kick-off time, so was almost certainly watching the game from above. In 1997, Kay moved to Toronto with her sister to be close to Richard and his family. She made many friends there and was especially fond of her and Clare's wonderful neighbours on Carus Avenue. With Clare's passing in 2006, Richard, Carol and Matthew moved to Victoria in order to be closer to Carol's family. Kay decided to move to Victoria as well but sadly, Richard passed away only weeks before she arrived. Independent and in good health, Kay lived in her own apartment up until a few months ago. In addition to frequent visits from Carol and Matthew, Kay immensely enjoyed her daily telephone conversations with friends near and far. A service will be held at the Franciscan Friary in Victoria in January 2011. In keeping with Kay's wishes, a memorial mass will be held at St. John Brebeuf Church in Winnipeg in spring 2011, followed by interment of her ashes. An announcement in that regard will be published later. Friends may also email Carol Stringer at stringercam@shaw.ca and she will advise once a date has been set. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kay's memory to the Red Cross or the Darjeeling Mission (care of Canadian Jesuits International, 70 Saint Mary Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1J3) would be appreciated. Kay was a very special lady and will be greatly missed. May she rest in eternal peace.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 03, 2010