Kay passed away in Victoria, BC on September 3, 2015. Born in Sydney in 1937 to George and Estelle Campbell, Kay was the second of three daughters, Joan and Susan still residing in Nova Scotia. Kay was raised in Sydney and graduated high school at Sydney Academy before studying Philosophy at Dalhousie University in Halifax. In 1960 Kay met Lewis Matheson, a young lawyer who went on to become her husband and partner for life. Together, they raised three children, Angus, Jenny and Robert, as well as an extensive array of dogs, cats and other creatures.
Throughout her life Kay served as a source of quiet strength for all those around her, her dedication to family and community guiding her along the way. Raised in the shadow of the British Empire Kay was of a generation who regarded life’s challenges with equanimity and carried herself with the same grace and humor regardless of the situation. Kay was a long time member of the IODE and the Bethyl Presbyterian Church as well as an enthusiastic cook, home renovator, gardener and creator of things extraordinary. Endless are the tales and happy memories of 57 Tain St. (where she spent the first 64 years of her life), the kitchen in Pugwash Jct. and the farm at Stewiacke East. These were the places closest to Kay’s heart and where she grew up in a surrounding of friends and an extended family that created in her a warmth and abiding interest in everyone who crossed her winding path.
In addition to her sisters and children Kay is survived by her grandchildren, Gabrielle, Cyrus, Sarah, Augustine, Laura, Eva and her yet to be introduced grandchild.
A ceremony with friends and family was held in Victoria, British Columbia and a celebration of her life is planned for next summer in Nova Scotia. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada at www.parkinson.ca
22 Responses
Jenny, Robbie and Angus, I was so sad to hear of Kay’s death. The world she created at 57 Tain St. brought me so much joy and comfort over the years, not to mention that she made the best butter tarts I have ever had the pleasure to eat.
I am thinking of you all, and remembering Kay, with great fondness. Be well, Jamey.
To all of Kay’s family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Kay was remarkable lady,she has had a remarkable journey as well. Kay and I graduated from high school together, where her dad was principlal. We later married cousins and so the journey began. Kay was so kind, caring and hospitable, endearing herself to all who knew her. You will have so many wonderful memories, she will always be with you.
Love to you all, Rena Mae.
Dear Angus, Robert and Jenny
Your mother’s death was announced in church last Sunday. I was saddened to hear of her death. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
I have fond memories of both your Mom and Dad.
It seems hard to believe that it is probably at least 20 to 25 years since all of you left Sydney.
My children Melanie and Mark are in Calgary and I am sure they would like to meet up with you. I understand Robert and Angus are located in Calgary. I am therefore, enclosing their addresses and phone numbers and emails. Again, my sincere condolences.
Mark 1-587-224-8787 Mark.McLeod@cra-arc.gc.ca
11 west Boothby Crescent
Cochrane, Alberta
T4C 1L9
Hugh R. McLeod
I was so sad to read of Kay’s passing in this morning’s newspaper. My love and condolences are with you, Jenny, and your family. I didn’t know your mom except to meet her a few times, but I know she was an exceptional person, and you must feel her loss deeply. Keep telling her stories, and time will heal the sadness. With love, Lorraine
Jenny, Rob, George and families,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
With love,
Sam
While a sad day indeed to know that Kay’s joyful and exuberant spirit is no longer in the physical world, I am nevertheless smiling, and still a little tearful, as I recall with great delight and humour her Kitchen on Tain Street: complete with cats, a dog, tea brewing for days, and a table filled with every craft one could ever imagine. Kay’s world was a magical one, and to be in her presence was inspirational. Never dull and forever intriguing, she was a woman of style and cultivated a type of elegance rarely seen today. I consider myself both lucky and blessed to have known such a wonderful woman, and am thus sending love and hugs to Jen, Gus and Rob and all of their families, for I know how much Kay was cherished and how deeply she will be missed.
Love forever and always,
XXOO, Lisa
I thought the world of Kay, who, from my vantage point, was equal parts kindness/generosity and creative chaos. I never ever saw her low or discouraged despite many challenges and she seemed to live life to the fullest extent possible, pedal to the floor. This example is a gift to us all. By reports, Kay seemed to go places many of us were reluctant to go, employing her impeccable manners, a twinkle in her eye and a bright smile, so we all nodded and cheered her along. Kay made the world a very vivid place. I hope that she is able to find suitable entertainment, wherever she is bourne to next. Our heartfelt condolences to family who remain to mourn.
We are sad to hear of Kay’s passing . She was a friendly person. I recall years ago when she used to visit in Brookfield in the summers and we all gathered at the creamery brook to swim. She mentioned it to us a few years ago. May she rest in peace.
We American cousins were fortunate to share in Kay’s warmth and humor and love in that kitchen in Pugwash Junction, Nova Scotia. In our own times of stress we often return, in our minds, to that place and those happy times. Kay will always be there for us. We miss her and we share in her loss; with a sense of how great the loss of her presence must be for her family. We hope to see you next summer in the junction.
Please accept our heart felt condolences.
Love, Gordon and Barry