KATHERINE (BARTEL) BIRMINGHAM

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KATHERINE (BARTEL) BIRMINGHAM The family of Katherine (Kay) Birmingham of Steinbach regret to announce her passing on Thursday, October 18, 2001 after a brief struggle with cancer at the age of 77 years. Kay was born on February 16, 1924 in the village of Grigorievka, South Russia, the eldest child of Abram and Katharina Bartel. Her family immigrated to Canada when she was one year old, eventually settling on a farm south of Grunthal, MB. She spent her childhood years on the family farm surrounded by extended family. Kay received all her schooling in Barkfield. As a teenager Kay and her family moved to Steinbach where she found work with H.W. Reimer helping to supplement the family income. Feeling a need for independence she moved to Winnipeg and started a career with F.W. Woolworth, a company she stayed with for over 35 years, retiring as Manager of Personnel. During this time she met and married Ernest Birmingham with whom she shared many happy years. After her sister Marys death in 1968, Kay and Ernie lovingly welcomed in their home, niece Bonnie and nephew Larry Sheppard. From this time on, she raised them as her own, eventually become "Grandma" to all the grandchildren. Family get togethers were always special at Grandmas house. We will especially remember the wonderful Easter egg hunts. After her retirement, Kay and Ernie moved back to Steinbach where they spent their time gardening and visiting with their many friends and family. After Ernies death in 1994, Kay got the travel bug and visited some far away lands such as Israel, Mexico and even Las Vegas. She spent many happy hours with her coffee group and was an active member of her church, First Baptist in Steinbach. Kay will be sadly missed by her daughter Bonnie Sheppard-Lewis (Ken), Karina, Alana, Sherri, Vanessa; son Larry Sheppard (Cathy), Dustin and Lauren. She also leaves behind brothers, Abe (Betty) Bartel, Pete (Leona) Bartel; sisters, Sadie and Marge Bartel. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 375 Loewen Blvd., Steinbach with Pastor Dave Miller officiating. Interment will follow in the Heritage Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Monday, October 22 between 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Loewen Funeral Chapel in Steinbach and at the church prior to the service. The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and visits. A special thanks to Helen Mathieu, Anne Suderman and Sandy Tremaine for their friendship and care. In Kays memory, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba. Arrangements entrusted to Loewen Funeral Chapel of Steinbach, 204-326-1351.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2001