Catherine ‘Kay’ (Ramsay) MacIntyre
Born: March 14th, 1927
Passed on: July 18th, 2017
Our beautiful Mother passed away peacefully at the Northside Community Guest Home on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, with her family by her side.
Born March 14, 1927, Catherine Joyce ‘Kay’ (Ramsay) MacIntyre, was the eldest of seven children of the late JL ‘Jack’ and Nellie (Caldwell) Ramsay.
Mom was a wonderful mother who taught us many life lessons and took great pride in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom lived a full and interesting life. She began her career at the Naval Base in Point Edward during the Second World War. Later, she worked at the T. Eaton Company, Reitmans, Dominion and finally, the City Hospital, from where she retired.
A trend setter and fashion queen, Mom had an indomitable spirit with a will to make things happen. Always a mother first, she led us on many adventures. She would take us to the “stock car” races, where she would suit up and compete in the "Powder Puff" races, while we cheered her on. Mom loved our family times in Ingonish, where we spent all our summers. She taught us how to swim and took us hiking around Ingonish.
Mom loved to skate, bowl and dance. She will be remembered by many as one of the best skaters in Sydney. Mom was an accomplished artist and continued to paint well into her 80's. One of the things she enjoyed doing later in her life was being an extra in locally filmed movies.
Mom could always be counted on to provide a ride to anyone in need. She never missed a hockey game or cheerleading competition along the way. She opened her door and her arms to whomever we brought home, thus ending up having many "extra" children (you all know who you are).
Mom was strong in her faith and instilled in us great morals and respect for others. Something we heard often was, "Treat people the way you would like to be treated."
Since suffering a stroke almost five years ago, Mom was treated with love and compassion from all who crossed her path. We have respect and gratitude for everyone in the medical field who were so kind to Mom on her journey.
We would like to especially thank the staff at the Northside Community Guest Home for their love and friendships over the last three years. We will never forget your kindness. Mom was also so happy to get out on the Handi-Trans any chance she could, thank you for the care and accommodation over the last five years.
Mom is survived by her 11 children, Lynda Lou (Steve Purcell), Andrew, Kathy, Maribeth (Brad Drover), Joey (Nicole), Tony (Donna Grant), Joanna, Terrie (Anthony Rostek), Jamie (Maureen), Marie Alayne and Buffy (Daniel Barnett).
Mom is also survived by her siblings, Phyllis Keating, Shirley Hodgson, Claude Ramsay (Shirley Taylor) and Donnie Ramsay.
Mom was proud to be ‘Nana’ (La-La) to 18 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Mom was loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. She cherished every one of these relationships.
Besides her parents, Mom was predeceased by her husband, John, and brothers, Kenny ‘Ginger’ Ramsay and Woody Ramsay.
Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Friday, July 21 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at St. Theresa’s Church on Saturday, July 22 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Dennis Lamey officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials would be welcomed by any local charity.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
