Obituary of Kathleen 'Kay' Elaine Elsden

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on Tuesday, August 20th, 2019. Kay was born on January 15, 1927 in Kitchener, Ontario and is predeceased by her devoted husband Bob (Robert) in 2017; her parents Minnie and Lloyd Shiry; and older brother Kearney. Left to mourn are her dearly treasured daughters: Gail Mair (Jacques), Wendy King (Steve), Judi Elsden (David); her grandsons: Michael and Ryan Mair, Aaron King (Laura), Nathan King (Claire), Denny Skrypnyk (Dana) and Justin Skrypnyk (Hollie); as well as her dearest cousin Yvonne Ashley, who was like a sister to her. Grandma Kay will also be missed by her nine great-grandchildren: Kaleb, Darius, Karma, Gabrielle, Odin, Hudson, Harper, Bennett and Oscar, as well as a wide circle of special friends with whom she shared many happy times and much joy. After her marriage to Bob in 1950 and relocation to London, Kay spent her life raising and supporting an active and busy family, instilling in them her principles and values as they grew. Kay was very involved with the community, volunteering with many organizations and charities including: Women’s Christian Association, May Court, and serving as a board member of Parkwood Hospital. She was also actively involved in supporting Scleroderma research. Kay’s summers were spent at the cottage in Southcott Pines, Grand Bend; entertaining family and friends was her greatest joy. Cultivating her award-winning flower gardens reflected her love of all things beautiful and natural. There is no adequate way to say goodbye to someone who was so significant to those who knew her. Kay will always be remembered for her friendliness and kindness, her willingness to give of herself, her intelligence, wisdom, and the manner in which she put others at ease. She was truly a remarkable woman. Kay’s zest for life and her faith sustained her through the challenges she faced. Death cannot diminish the important ways Kay has touched our lives. Grief cannot take away the happiness we shared. Sorrow will fade but our love remains forever in our hearts. A funeral service will be conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at 3:00 p.m., with visitation two hours prior. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to London Health Sciences Foundation or Scleroderma Society of Ontario.