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
Dear Robert ,Jenny and George
With tears of sadness we read the beautiful obituary for your Mom..Then there were tears from laughter as we reminisced of the so many very happy times we were fortunate to share with Louie and Kaye on so many occasions especially the times on Tain St. Great memories ..Catherine and Tom also were with us as we remembered the happy times…Stories of Pooch and Willard..And many more….We know you will miss her greatly and we hope all the wonderful memories others have expressed about your wonderful Mother will help you through this difficult time….You are all in our thoughts and prayers…Most Sincerely
The Campbells from 69 Tain St
There is a hole in my heart as I remember many days and many nights spent at 57 Tain St. As captured in the many stories above, I remember a fabulous lady who was a second mother to me. Many a Saturday morning I spent in that fabulous kitchen and she would tell me to get Jenny out of bed. She would want Jenny up to join us, but I was very contented to hang with Kay, listen to CBC and bake whatever creation she had in mind. There was always a new recipe to test out or radio program not to be missed. The next thing you knew the phone was ringing and one of our gang would be heading over to Tain St. Then George’s friends and Rob’s friends would be getting in on the kitchen action. Kay never judged and you knew she was in your corner! If you were in Kay’s kitchen you were in good hands with a wise and elegant lady. She was one of a kind and I feel so blessed to have known her.
Jenny, George and Rob my parents also send their condolences. You and you’re families are in our prayers.
With Much Love,
Janet