After a lengthy, bravely fought battle with Pancreatic Cancer, Kathryn Gail Herschel, in her 70th year passed away peacefully November 8, 2017.
Kathryn loved children. Being a mother was what she wanted most in life and she considered her two children to be her greatest achievements. Kathryn was also a wonderful kindergarten teacher for decades, giving hundreds of children a great start. She made kids feel important, taught them respect, encouraged them to learn and explore the world around them. More recently, Kathryn was thrilled to become a grandmother and enjoyed spending special time with her grandchildren.
Kathryn was an avid gardener, both at home and at the cottage, which is evident in the collection of dozens of annual “Kathryn’s biggest tomato” pictures. Kathryn also took great pride in decorating her home for every holiday as festively as possible, whether it be Canada Day, Christmas or Easter (and there were usually themed cookies to go with each celebration). Always social, she was quick to make friends and conversation with her neighbours and enjoyed entertaining.
Kathryn leaves behind her soulmate and sweetheart Stan, who has been her rock, her love and companion over the last two decades. She will be deeply missed by her beautiful children, Lauren and James (Carrie). Kathryn was the loving daughter of Vera, sister to Deborah (Eugene), Michael (Xiao Lan) and special sister-in-law to Debbie and Pauline (John). Kathryn was stepmom to Aimee (Rob) and Rob (Vanessa) and very proud Nana K to Jack and Kennedy. She leaves behind many well loved nieces and nephews, dear friends and fellow teachers. Kathryn also leaves behind a cat (Tassie) only she could love. Kathryn was predeceased by her first husband Larry and her father William.
We would like to thank the amazing staff at the Joseph Brant Hospital Oncology Unit as well as the Carpenter Hospice for their care and compassion, both to Kathryn and our family. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Carpenter Hospice so that others may be as well cared for in their time of need: https://www.thecarpenterhospice.com/support-us/make-a-donation/
There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, November 19 from 3-6pm at Smith Funeral Home 1167 Guelph Line, Burlington). The celebration will be open house style – please feel free to drop by or stay the whole time. We will be saying a few words about Kathryn at 4pm.
Thank you to everyone who has been there to support our family on this journey.