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KATHLEEN ELIZABETH MICHENER (KATH)
Born: Jul 24, 1955
Date of Passing: Apr 25, 2022
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KATHLEEN ELIZABETH MICHENER
Unexpectedly, on April 25, 2022, we lost our beautiful sister. We are heartbroken. She was surrounded by her family whom she loved and who deeply loved her.
Kath was born in Winnipeg on July 24, 1955 and was the first born to Mel and Pippy Michener. She took her first born role seriously and did her best to keep her unruly younger sisters and brother in line. And rather unsuccessful she would say. It was clear back then and now that she was the "golden girl" in our family. She was intelligent and kind-hearted with a smile that could light up the room.
Kath attended St. Maurice School, St. Mary's Academy and the University of Manitoba. She was proud of being an SMA girl and continued to enjoy the Alumnae Teas and Theatre performances there for many years.
One of her favourite places in the world was the family cottage at Lake of the Woods. There, she was surrounded by the love of her grandparents, aunts, uncles and lots of cousins. Summer memories were made up of boat rides, water skiing, picnics down the lake, walking the log booms, putting on talent shows with her cousins, sneaking out after dark and many afternoons reading and doing puzzles on the veranda with Nanny. These were many of the things that gave her joy. We are so grateful that she enjoyed many of them after the accident as well.
She graduated with a BA in Economics in the summer of 1976 when she was 21. Just before Kath was to start the Business Administration program at the University of Manitoba (U of M) she was in an accident where she suffered both a spinal cord and brain injury. Despite what seemed like insurmountable challenges, Kath fought hard every day to gain back her independence. She never counted her losses only her blessings. And this is how she lived the rest of her life. Always an inspiration to those around her!
Kath's fierce drive and determination to be independent allowed her to continue to pursue her life's goals and dreams after the accident. After she finished her rehab, she got her first car with hand controls; a bright red Nova which suited her optimistic personality so well. She was determined to make the most of her life and for many years that's exactly what she did. She went back to U of M and then she got a job with Canada Immigration and Employment in Human Resources which she absolutely loved for 29 years.
Like our parents, Kath had a passion for travel. This was not always easy, as travel was not very accessible in the 1980s and 1990s but her determination served her well. She visited and/or travelled with friends and family throughout Canada, England, six states on the east coast, Hawaii, Mexico, Vegas, and Disney World. She was a strong advocate for both herself and others living with physical challenges and took every opportunity to educate others on what "accessible" truly meant. There was not one trip that Kath took where she did not experience physical/environmental challenges, but these never deterred her from continuing to do what she loved.
In 2011 Kath moved out of her condo to the Seine River community. She loved living there and was actively engaged in all the activities daily. Kath's competitive spirit shone brightly during her participation and was especially proud of her bowling and golf medals. Her days were full of great fun and friendships.
Kath is survived by her sisters, Anne Keast (Barry), Sarah Michener, and brother Arthur Michener (Joan); six nieces and nephews and 11 great-nieces and nephews whom she loved hearing stories about.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers of Comforts of Home. She wouldn't have been able to be as independent as she was in the last few years without your support. She talked often about how much she appreciated all you do. Kathleen was a supporter of the charity Manitoba Possible, formerly Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, should friends desire to contribute in Kathleen's name.
Kath lived her life with a grace and fortitude that we all admired. Unbearable pain was almost always a part of her day and still we would see her magnificent smile. Kathleen, you were loved beyond measure, you mattered more than you could know, and you made a difference in so many people's lives. We know when you passed you were wrapped in Mom and Dad's arms as they welcomed their beloved daughter back home.
A Celebration of Life will take place on May 31, at the Niakwa Country Club, 620 Niakwa Road at 2:00 p.m.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2022
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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I just heard of Kathleen’s passing. I worked with her at the West office for a long time. She really had a smile that lit up the room, and a laugh to go with it. She was patient and caring with the clients she served. One would not have suspected the level of pain she endured daily as she smiled as she worked. Such a kind person. I am happy to have known her. - Posted by: Elizabeth Dorey (Co-worker) on: Jun 15, 2022
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Farewell Kath. You were the eldest of your generation and you provided your younger siblings and cousins with a shining example of the humanity that you emdodied. Your smiles, your tears, your joys, your fears, your stoicism are in all our hearts and will remain so, forever. - Posted by: Jim Graham (Cousin) on: May 09, 2022
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Dear Ann, Sarah, Arthur and all the Michener Family: I am so sorry to hear about Kathleen! She was a wonderful girl with lots of Michener spirit and a beautiful woman who always had a smile and kind word and loved loved loved to socialize!!! It was always my, as well and Ken and Donna's, pleasure to see her and have a natter when we and our families attended some of the same functions. She was a joy and I will always have a special place in my heart for Kathleen. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Bless you Kathleen. With heart felt condolences, from myself, Donna and the Macaw Family. - Posted by: Sidney Macaw (family friend) on: May 07, 2022
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I meet Kathleen at the Rehab Hospital in 1977, and our paths crossed again at the U of M, and many other places over the years. Her smile and personality were always so welcoming. My sincerest condolences to her family. Goodbye Kath. - Posted by: Allen Lasko (Fellow Para) on: May 07, 2022
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Having grown up a house a away from the Michener family residence, I spent a great deal of time there. Kathleen was the first person I used the word GRACEFUL. I didnt know exactly what it meant. I had just had heard of GRACE Kelly. AND princess GRACE actually didn't compare. Kathleen With her long hair, not one strand out of place and such poise. I was about 8 or 9, and I thought she maybe a movie star. I hated any boyfriend she ever had. That's 55 years ago, and I'm saddened by her passing. But I also have to say, despite the challenges she faced, never did I hear a complaint. Especially not by her spinal injury. But the times as they were, and would have made most conform, she helped raise the bar for handie capable persons. And also being involved in the evolution of awareness to the causes of accessibility and involvement of spinal cords injuries. As did her proud father. Actually the whole family got involved. I visited Kath, and Sarah in the hospital all those years ago, it was a somber Sad time, but I can honestly say, from that day to this, she lived life like a champion. That big movie star smile; whenever I saw her. And even when no one was as looking , there it was...... GRACE, poise, and beauty. I remember the red nova! And about 20 years ago, while visiting the family I looked out the window, and there was Kathleen, on the waterside deck, looking out. And I just smiled. She did so much, for so many others. My heartfelt thoughts to the family, such a big clan. If heaven has a lake, then there's a beautiful sunset cruise going on, and it's as beautiful a day as she was everyday. RT - Posted by: Robert Thorareonson (Family friend. ) on: May 07, 2022
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On behalf of the staff at the Canada Employment Centre (West Office), I would like to extend our condolences to Kathleen’s family and friends. Kathleen was a pleasure to work with and considered our office and its staff as her second family. Kathleen was awesome with the clients and did her best to serve them. May she Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Rick Valcourt (Coworker) on: May 07, 2022
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I feel much sorrow to hear this news. Kathleen was a role model to me. I was honoured to have worked for her and her parents. They are all missed. - Posted by: Terry Kent (Friend) on: May 07, 2022