Mary Katharine (Flemming) Purdy passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at the age of 94 in Truro, N.S. Kay was born in Truro on January 7, 1923, the daughter of W.A. (Bill) Flemming and Helen (Dunlop) Flemming. She was active in sports, learning to skate in the Flemming arena her dad built, playing tennis and basketball in high school, and golfing and curling later in life. She was a top student, receiving the Governor General’s Award in grade 12 and going on to Mt. Allison University. She married her high school sweet heart, Carl (Baldy) Purdy, and they shared 70 wonderful years together. A beautiful person, Kay’s grace and great strength of character influenced the lives of her family in so many ways. Her love and unselfish devotion to family was evident; her strong moral compass, and unwavering support and compassion for everyone made her an inspiring role model to all. She is survived by her sister, Anne (Flemming) Gookin, brothers, George Flemming (Shelley) and James Flemming, cousin, Carolyn (Flemming) McDonald, sister-in-law, Elizabeth Flemming (William), children, Gale Katharine Cook (Ron), Carl Thomas Purdy (Jeanne), John Purdy (Shauna), Mary Anne Purdy, William (Bill) Purdy ( Barb), Jeffrey Purdy, daughter-in-law, Pam Cochrane, thirteen grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. These family members, as well as Kay’s many nieces and nephews have been touched by her generosity and wisdom and will miss her greatly. Kay was predeceased by her husband, Carl David Purdy, daughter Beth Hebert, son-in-law Dean Hebert, her father, W.A. (Bill) Flemming, mother, Helen (Dunlop) Flemming, and brothers, William and Albert Flemming. Kay was known throughout the Nova Scotia rug hooking community for her beautiful hooked rugs. She received the Life Member Award from the Rug Hooking Guild of Nova Scotia for her contributions as president and as a certified teacher. She was also an honourary member of the Colchester Heritage Rug Hookers, and a member of the Marigold Guild of Needle Arts. Kay was an active member in community clubs and organizations throughout her life which reflected her interests and beliefs. Involvement in recent years included the Old Barns United Church Women, the Colchester Historical Society, the Truro Golf Club and the Truro Curling Club. The Family will be receiving visitors on Friday, January 5 from 6-8pm in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro, N.S. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 6 at 2pm in Old Barns United Church, 2603 Hwy 236, Old Barns. Reception will follow in the church hall. A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Old Barns United Church or the VON Colchester East Hants. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks for the support from all the staff at Parkland, Truro, and to all the medical staff on 2E and the Palliative Care team at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre. You have all served Kay and our family members with the utmost compassion, respect and dignity. Thank you. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website: www.ColchesterCommunity.com.