KATHARINE ANN MORAWECKI (KEELER)

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KATHARINE ANN MORAWECKI (nee KEELER) 1940 - 2019 "How lucky I am to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard." - Winnie The Pooh In tranquility and in the arms of her family, our dear and precious Katharine left this earth on February 28, 2019, to continue her journey into a field of wildflowers and hummingbirds. Mom passed away at Lake of the Woods Hospital in Kenora, Ontario after a long and valiant struggle. Mom knew it was time to go and she left on her terms. Kathy was born on December 30, 1940, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She grew up in the Fort Rouge area and graduated from Gordon Bell High School. Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Ruby and Charles Keeler, as well as sister, Diane Hall, with whom she shared a special relationship. Kathy graduated from the St. Boniface School of Nursing in 1971 with her LPN. She later became a Registered nurse, working at both St. Amant Centre and St. Boniface Hospital. Her career took her to the VON (Victoria Order of Nurses) in Winnipeg up until her "retirement". After Kathy's retirement from the VON, she was known to visit and check in on some of her former patients bringing them something homecooked, helping with gardening or just sharing tea and conversation. Later on, Kathy wanted to keep in the loop, so she worked part-time as a charge nurse at Pinecrest Home, in Kenora, Ontario. Kathy cared very deeply for so many, as a family member and as a friend. Back in the day, Mom was a dedicated hockey mom to son, Jeff, and rarely missed a game or tournament. Mom also made many lifelong friends through the hockey community in Winnipeg. Naturally, in later years, Mom became an avid fan of the Winnipeg Jets, and would often make sure her schedule allowed her to watch a game on tv. She also loved attending games. If you sat beside Mom at a Jet's game, earplugs were required! Kathy leaves behind the love of her life, her husband, Borden, who she married on April 30, 1988. They resided in St. Vital and St. James before retreating to their beautiful dream home in 1990, on the lake in Kenora, Ontario. Borden gave Kathy his undivided attention and cared for her unwaveringly in their home during her illness. His love, support and dedication allowed Kathy to remain, for the most part, at home up and until very recently when her health declined and she was again hospitalized. Borden was also Kathy's constant sidekick during her several hospital stays. The family is so grateful that Borden is a part of our lives and will always know how much they cherished one another. Mom also leaves behind to forever treasure her memory, her daughter Lori and husband Kevin of Winnipeg; son Jeff and wife Stacy of Tennessee. Mom also leaves three grandchildren, Reese and MacKenzie of Tennessee, and Michael of Winnipeg. Mom (Nana) shared a special bond with her granddaughter, Reese, who was the light of her life. Mom was able to chat with Reese the night before she passed. Also left with broken hearts, are Kathy's sisters, Sylvia (Fred) of Winnipeg, and Nancy (Al) of Stony Plain, AB. Many good times were had by all throughout the years. They were not only relatives, but shared devoted friendships. Kathy and Borden enjoyed many winter trips to Dominican and Cancun, along with Sylvia and Fred. Kathy also leaves to remember her many nieces and nephews. Kathy is also survived by Borden's children, Darin, Kevin and Paul, all of Winnipeg, and Lisa of Vancouver. Mom loved wildlife and nature, especially all the birds that feasted on the huge wooden birdfeeder on their deck, lovingly built for her by Borden and close friend, Dale. Mom was an extremely talented artist in both oils and watercolors. She sold many of her works, with some remaining on the walls of their home for everyone to appreciate. Mom saw beauty in everything, be it a decrepit old barn or a somber sky before a summer storm. Over the years in Kenora, Mom enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, and boating on Lake of the Woods when she and Borden often cruised by to visit family or friends. Mom's greenthumb was unsurpassed. She was a master at growing vegetables and loved puttering in their huge vegetable and wildflower gardens. Her many stunning hisbiscus plants and gigantic begonias, adorned their deck in the summertime. Walking into Mom and Borden's home was an offering to one's nose as Mom was a fabulous cook and everything was made from scratch. She passed her love of cooking and gardening on to her daughter, Lori. There were many "happy hours" shared on the deck and memorable dinners with family and friends over the years. A home was not a home without including rescued cats and of course their beloved dog, Trooper. They made many great friends during their time at the lake, who offered their kindness and support during Mom's illness. Mom, Lori and Jeff were three peas in a pod and shared most everything with one another. Daily phonecalls with Mom were the norm. The absence of these calls have already left a giant hole in our hearts. We love you and miss you so much Mom. In 2016, Kathy fulfilled a lifelong dream making the trek to Ireland, with her sister Sylvia and good friend Bev Bettens. She was able to visit the birthplace of her mom, Ruby. Kathy touched so many lives along the way. She was infamous for her sense of humour and her wit was top drawer, always the life of the party. Kathy will forever be on the minds of all that were lucky enough to have known her. The family would like to thank Lorena McManus for her ongoing support. In addition, we would like to thank the staff at HSC and Lake of the Woods Hospital, especially for making Mom comfortable in her last weeks. You can no longer see me, but please know that I am there. I am in the flowers in the garden, I am the wind beneath your hair. Cremation has taken place and per Kathy's wish, there will be no formal service. Flowers are gratefully declined. If so desired, donations may be made in memory of Kathy Morawecki to the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre by visiting their website or calling 204-878-3740.
Publish Date: Mar 9, 2019

KATHARINE ANN MORAWECKI (nee KEELER) It is with such great sorrow we announce Kathy's peaceful passing on February 28, 2019, at Kenora, Ontario, surrounded by her family. A full obituary to follow in the Saturday, March 9, 2019 edition.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 04, 2019, Mar 09, 2019