KATHLEEN (KAY) HEMSLEY

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KATHLEEN (KAY) HEMSLEY Unexpectedly after a courageous battle with cancer and pneumonia Kathleen (Kay) Hemsley died and was given back to God on November 14, 2004 at MICU in St. Boniface. Kay will be lovingly remembered and forever cherished by lifelong friend Marilyn Jackson; sister Carol Stevens; nephew Mark; nieces, Elizabeth and Maxine. She leaves Marilyn with their little black poodle, Kyrie whom Kay adored and would sit and stroke for hours. She was predeceased by her parents and brother Bill. Kay was born on July 12, 1932 in Godalming, England. She trained as a nurse in King Edward vii Hospital in Windsor and immigrated to Canada in 1960. She went back to England for a five year period but returned in 1970 and applied for Canadian Citizenship. She nursed at many hospitals in Winnipeg and retired in 1990 from the Health Sciences Centre. Kay was a very quiet private person with a warm sensitive gentle loving manner. She possessed a typical dry English humour. She loved classical music and enjoyed attending the opera and lawn bowling when she was well. Her nursing skills were beyond compare and she was loved by all who encountered her. In our earlier years we travelled extensively but nothing compared to the many holidays we spent in Hawaii. She was an avid reader of mystery books and in her latter years enjoyed watching TV. In the 1990s sparked by a curiosity and intrigue as to why Marilyn found the church so fulfilling she started going to St. James Anglican Church serving on the Parish Guild. She was confirmed in the Anglican faith by Bishop Patrick Lee and supported by friend Canon John Caird. Kay lived a full life but was plagued with a chronic disease from 1995 onward. She added richly to the lives of the people she encountered. A service of thanksgiving for Kays life will take place a St. Andrews Anglican Church, 2700 Portage Ave. on Thursday, November 18 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ian Mills and Rev. Robert Brownlie officiating. Marilyn wishes to thank the staff at St. Boniface Hospital especially the caring compassionate nurses and doctors in MICU. Special thanks to Cathy, Susan, Diane and Laura Marie at Anglican Centre and those in my EFM group who have been pillars of support for me. I could not have gotten through these challenging times without the guidance and counselling of Rev. Bob Brownlie and his wife Myrna, Rev. Ian Mills and the love from many people, especially those at St. Andrews and St. Lukes Church. Thanks to John Davidson at Thomson "In the Park" who was there for me at the end when I really needed him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kays memory to the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter, 3062 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y1. Kay, I miss you terribly and will love you forever. Life will never be the same without you. May God bless you and welcome you back into His kingdom with open arms. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 McGillivray - 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 17, 2004