It is with deep sadness and profound love that we announce the passing of Catherine “Kitty” Cusmanic (née Kiely), who lived an extraordinary life spanning more than a century. Born on May 10, 1921, in Stradbally, Ireland, Kitty Peacefully passed away in her sleep surrounded by the love and gratitude of her family.
Kitty’s life changed forever one evening when she met the love of her life, Chuck, in a crowded restaurant. With no tables available, the two strangers were asked to share one. It was the beginning of a remarkable love story, and just one month later they were married. Together they built a wonderful life in Canada, first on the East Coast and later settling on a small farm in Victoria, British Columbia.
On their farm, Kitty and Chuck surrounded themselves with the things they loved most: family, horses, dogs, and the beauty of country living. Many locals will remember seeing Kitty on her daily walks along West Saanich Road, often accompanied by one or more of her beloved dogs.
Kitty had a remarkable gift for gardening. Her family looked forward each year to the abundance of fresh vegetables from her garden and the delicious fruits of her labor preserved through her canning. She was fiercely independent, remaining in her own home on her cherished property until nearly 105 years of age.
An animal lover through and through, Kitty opened her heart and home to countless dogs, cats, and horses over the years. Animals in need found refuge with her, and she ensured they lived out their lives surrounded by kindness, comfort, and love.
Above all, Kitty loved her family. She treasured family dinners, delighted in hearing a good dirty joke, and was always happy to share a Scotch and a laugh. Her warmth, resilience, wit, and generous spirit will remain treasured memories for all who knew her.
Kitty was predeceased by her beloved husband, Chuck, and her daughter, Judy.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Cathy (Rick); her grandchildren Kate (Cory), Jenn (Curtis), Rebecca (Eric), and Gordon (Angela); her great-grandchildren; Mary, Marinanne, and John and the rest of the Kiely clan in Ireland.
Kitty’s long life was a testament to love, hard work, independence, and compassion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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2 Responses
It was with great sadness to hear of the passing of my Aunt Kitty.She was truly a wonderful woman who passed away at the remarkable age of 105 Chuck her beloved husband and Judy predeceased her.Will be so sadly missed by Cathy and Richard and by her grandchildren and families.Kitty loved her animals and took care of so many over the years.Kitty will also be sadly missed by her extensive Irish family, particularly by myself her Nephew John.
our deepest sympathy on the passing of kitty.as I don’t have many memories of kitty going by the obituary kitty was held in high esteem by everyone ,Matt kiely was my father and kitty brother,?she had an amazing life and to live at home to that age is incredible,its a pity we didn’t see much of her as im sure after a scotch or two she would be a great laugh,on behalf of my wife Helen and our daughters orla and clodagh our deepest sympathy to you all