On May 24, 2011 our beautiful Mom, Kathleen Killen, slid into a peaceful sleep and into the arms of her savior. Although we are saddened at her parting, we are grateful that her courageous fight is over.

Left cherishing her memory is her family: Mingay, her husband and friend of 66 years, daughters Janis Ottem (Mark), Susan Neave (Carney), nephew Peter Hall (Jo Ann), grandchildren Derek Ottem (Nicole Hallgren), Kelly Ottem (Brent Chagnon), and great grandchildren Bodie Ottem and Ethan Chagnon.

Kay was predeceased by an infant son, Stephen.
A life-long Kamloops resident, Kay was born to Janet and James Hall on August 18, 1921 and had two elder siblings, Margaret North and Merlin Hall (both deceased). Mom entertained us with stories of her growing up years on St. Paul Street at a time when Kamloops was a small town and sense of community was everything. She met our Dad Mingay in High School. They became engaged before he left for WWII, and married shortly after his return in November 1945. During her recent 5 months at Ponderosa, her sweetheart Mingay visited her almost every day.

Kay was gentle spirited, quiet woman blessed with incredible artistic talents. Over her adult life she painted in oil and water color, sewed, created beautiful floral arrangements, and pursued many handicrafts. While in her 40's she decided to take piano lessons.

Although shy by nature, Mom valued friendship and had many life-long friends. She enjoyed time with her RIH Thrift Shop gals, the Lac Le Jeune pals, the bridge-club group, the Rumolli bunch, the Gleneagles Condo friends and most recently her and dad's new friends at Kamloops Senior's Village.

She had a sharp mind as anyone who played bridge, crib, backgammon or scrabble with her can attest. Her organizational skills were valued when she worked for the Child Welfare Dept. in the 1940's. Just before her accident she was still a lively and formidable participant in discussions about politics and news at our weekly family lunch dates.

Mom also loved the outdoors, especially our family cabin at Lac Le Jeune where she hiked, fished and enjoyed wildlife for over 30 yrs. She spent hours teaching her grandchildren Derek and Kelly how to pick wild strawberries and wildflowers, and watching them feed her many birds and squirrels.

We love you Mom. Thanks for what you've generously given us all; unconditional love - filling our home with beauty and warmth - showing us how to be good friends - welcoming people graciously into our home - teaching us how to laugh - loving your grandchildren to bits. We are so blessed.

Our family wishes to thank the staff at both Kamloops Senior's Village and Ponderosa Lodge for the compassion and care they extended to Mom.

At Kay's request we are holding a private family service.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.schoenings.com
or sent to G.M. Killen, Kamloops Senior's Village, 106 - 1200 Hugh Allan Drive, Kamloops, B.C. V1S 2B3.