HATFIELD, KATHLEEN MARGARET (PALMER)
Kay Hatfield died on Saturday, February 28, 2015 in her 92nd year, at the Upper River Valley Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Donald and Hazel (Crandlemire) Palmer. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Frederick; brother, Joseph; son, Robert, and niece, Jill Palmer.

Kay was born at home in Avondale, NB, on June 25, 1923. Throughout her life, she carried fond memories of her early childhood and school days in this small community. The lessons she learned living on a farm, especially during the depression years, equipped her well for the challenges and opportunities that life would offer.

She completed Grade 8 at the Avondale School, and then boarded in Hartland in order to attend High School. It was here that she met her future husband, Frederick. After graduation in 1940, she attended Provincial Normal School for one year, returning to Carleton County to teach in Avondale and Victoria Corner. Following her marriage to Frederick on August 11, 1945, she taught for one year at Hartland Superior School.

It was our Mother's childhood dream to 'keep house' and have a family. In December 1946, she began to fulfil this dream when she and Frederick moved into the house behind the stone wall at the end of the world's longest covered bridge, and she gave birth to her first child. Over the next 12 years, 5 more children were added to the family. She devoted herself to providing a well-managed, nurturing home environment, and took joy in surrounding it with the beauty of many flower beds. The nasturtiums that lined the front walkway were her signature flower.

Kay enjoyed opening her home to others. There was always an offer of good food and sincere, gracious hospitality. The grandchildren were particularly welcomed and encouraged to visit often. Just as she had done with her own children, she held high expectations for them, supported them in all their activities, and loved them unconditionally.

Despite her busy home life, she recognized the importance of supporting her community and always made time to do so. She was a Life Member of the I.O.D.E., Girl Guide Commissioner, long-time volunteer at the Carleton County Music Festival, member of the Ladies Auxiliary Royal Canadian Legion, Potato Blossom Festival volunteer, member of the Carleton County Historical Society, Meals on Wheels volunteer, and volunteer at the Central Carleton Nursing Home.

Kay was a faithful member of the Hartland Baptist Church, where she served on various committees, as well as teaching Sunday School and providing leadership in Youth programs. She actively supported Baptist Mission work, first in Avondale and then in Hartland, and was a Charter Member of the Lightbearers W.M.S. at the Hartland Baptist Church.

Kay is survived by five children: Brian (Connie), Michael (Martha Musgrove), Rachel (Allan Nesbitt), Bruce (fiancée Lucie Richard), and Mary; eight grandchildren: Christy (Toby Grant), Marnie (Patrick O'Donnell), Sarah (Jeff Ebbett), David Nesbitt (Rachel), Andrew Nesbitt, Joel Nesbitt, Nicole Hatfield, and Kelsey Hatfield; and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Audrey Palmer, brother-in-law, Clinton Hayward, cousin, Evelyn Long, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Britton Funeral Home of Hartland where visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The funeral will be held at the Hartland Baptist Church on Friday, March 6, at 2PM.

Flowers are welcomed, but memorial contributions to the Lightbearers W.M.S., Hartland Baptist Church, or the Greenwood Cemetery in Hartland would also be appreciated by the family. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. www.brittonfh.ca