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
I was so sorry to hear this week about your Mom’s passing. She was a lovely lady and she will be missed a lot. I still remember fondly those busy early days when we were all children growing up on Tain Street — she thoroughly enjoyed being your mom (and chasing around after Pooch). She was a good friend to our mother too, and I have a lovely picture of her holding my newborn son almost eight years ago when she so kindly came to the hospital to visit us and welcome him into the world. She had a great spirit and a love of life and she was so proud of all of you. My deepest condolences to you all, and to her sister Susan (my old choir mate from Truro days) and all the rest of your family.
Sorry to hear,accept my sympathy.
West Pubnico,Yarmouth County,Nova Scotia
Sorry to hear of your moms passing . She was a wonderful lady. Our thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow.
So very sorry to learn of Kay’s passing. I felt so proud and humbled to read the many fine tributes to Kay and to realize what a fine, wonderful lady she was. Only saw her in passing but also have memories of she and her sisters swimming at the Creamery Brook in Brookfield. Those are great memories.
Deepest sympathy to her whole family. I know you will miss her kindness, wit and good humour in all situations.
Dear George, Jenny and Robert, and families…
Your mother was a Lady in every sense of the word. She was kind to everyone, and a most gracious hostess to visitors. Although we know that it was for the best when she moved to Victoria, she took with her a piece of our hearts. Please give us plenty of notice about the celebration of her life here in Cape Breton.
Our most sincere condolences to you all.
Phil & Anne Irons and family
So sorry to hear of your mom!s passing. Please extend my sympathy and love to you Jennie and Angus
and Robert. Your mom was a great neighbour and friend. Keep remembering all the great times you all shared and you will always have her near.
To Angus, Jenny, Robert and family,
Please accept our sincerest condolences; we were saddened to read of Kay’s passing in the Cape Breton Post this past Wednesday. We truly enjoyed our great neighborhood relationship with Kay.; what a great lady!!!
We miss the super gardening conversations over the fence; the discussions about the nasty gout weed and creeping jenny invasion plus Willie’s various on-site visits. Her gardens are still going strong. She had the best soil in the neighborhood.
Christmas was always special; we would drop in to see the tree and she in tern would check out our efforts. She had a special way; gracious, interesting, pleasant, made you feel good regardless of the fuss and rush when trying to get ready for Santa.
God Bless, Colleen and Charlie MacKinnon, 53 Tain St.
Kay moved away from 5770 Spring Garden Rd ( Halifax ) and I have missed her ever since. She and I were next door neighbours in our apartment building. She and I had tea (or wine) and chatted and laughed (mostly laughed!) together most days a week. I have never had a neighbour like Kay before or since. She left a hole in my heart when she left. She was a true friend and I will miss her. She taught us how to find joy in every circumstance. To know her was to love her.
George Angus, Robert, Jenny AND families,
I am thinking of you at this time. It was such a fortunate opportunity– back in 1970– for me in that Kay decided I was worthy to meet her younger sister Susan.
The rest is history and I guess that make me your uncle.’
THANK YOU KAY FOR THE MANY, MANY KIND AND WONDERFUL THINGS THAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR THE CARTER FAMILY AT 13 Hamilton Ave., in BROOKFIELD. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! WE WILL THINK OF YOU OFTEN AND CHERISH MEMORIES SUCH AS LEW AND I PLAYING APBA TABLE BASEBALL AT YOUR HOME IN SYDNEY FOLLOWED BY THOSE MANY DELICIOUS MEALS YOU ALWAYS PREPARED.
Sincerely, Lyle.
My sympathies and condolences to the family. Kay was a lovely woman and it was so nice to know her. She was a good friend of my husband, the late Redmond O’Keefe.