Kathleen (Kay) Richardson
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kay Richardson, who passed away in Whitehorse, Yukon on July 30, 2024 with her husband and two daughters at her side.
Kay was born in Thurrock, England to Lady May Valentine (Maisie) and Frederick Henry and was the youngest of five children. She met the love of her life, Wilf, and they were married in 1978. Kay and Wilf immigrated to Canada in 1987 with their two young daughters and built a life for themselves in Burlington, Ontario. Starting as an administrative assistant at TD Bank, Kay commuted by GO train every day to downtown Toronto and worked her way up the ranks to become a respected senior corporate executive, all while raising a young family with warmth and care. She spent 29 years at TD Bank before retiring in early 2017 and moving with Wilf to Cobble Beach, near Owen Sound, Ontario. In 2022, Kay and Wilf moved to Whitehorse, Yukon to be close to family.
Kay loved to cook, was a voracious reader, and always found a way to stay positive and share her enjoyment of life with those around her. She never hesitated to sing and dance along to the music and loved celebrating holidays and all special occasions. Kay leaves behind her beloved husband and confidant, Wilf, after 46 years of marriage. Kay was a loving mother to her two daughters, Gemma (Lee) and Stefanie (Matt), and proud Nana to her three grandchildren (Scarlet, River and Dallas). She is predeceased by her parents and all four siblings (Maureen, Fred, Gloria and Helen) in the UK.
The family wishes to thank nurses and staff at Copper Ridge Place, as well as a number of home care support workers and nurses for the care they provided in Kay’s final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Grey-Bruce in Kay’s memory, https://alzheimer.ca/greybruce/en/take-action/donate.
A service and reception will be held Wednesday, August 7 at Heritage North Funeral Home in Whitehorse at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Grey Mountain Cemetery.
Pastor Philip Smith
As a church family (Rockcliffe) our hearts, prayers and air hugs go out to you and the family. These moments are bitter / sweet as we know where she is and who she is with but yet we are not there yet. Know you are loved and not forgotten as your family here in Owen Sound lift you up in prayer. If there is anything we can do please reach out to us
Shane Powell
Gemma and family- we are thinking of you all and offer our deep condolences. We’re so sorry.
Nancy Powell
Gemma and family, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I remember her kindness and hospitality as she opened her home to host the baby shower for River. I am sure you will find comfort in knowing that your family has been together in Whitehorse for the past two years and that you were all able to share some special times with your Mom. My sincere condolences to you all..
Dan, Courtney and Loraine
Love and condolences from all of us here. Always here for you guys.
GAIL PEARSON
Uncle Wayne and I are so very sad to hear about the loss of your mother Gemma. Sending you, Lee, and River our deepest condolences . Thinking of you and your famil.y. Hugs and Love, Aunt Gail 🤗❤️💐
Jo Kelly
Dear Wilf, Gemma and Stefanie,
I am so sorry to hear about Auntie Kay and I am thinking of you all in these difficult times. I wish you all as much peace as possible, words cannot express my sorrow. I am here for you all and I would be very happy to talk to you soon at somepoint when you feel ready. I have fond memories of you all and Kay filled with smiles and laughter. She was a beautiful, clever lady with a brilliant sense of humour. I remember my mum and Kay would always be laughing back in the day. I am sending you lots of love and comfort in knowing I am here for you all. I hope the funeral service goes as smoothly as possible and I will light a candle for Auntie Kay on Wed 7th Aug at 7pm UK time / 11am Yukon Time and will be thinking of you all.
Lots of Love Always,
Jo, Lewis and Sebastian xxx
Brianne V
Stefanie, Gemma & Mr Richardson. I’m so sorry for your loss. Mrs Richardson always had the most beautiful smile. It was sincere and it was loving. As Stefanie and I came and went in our teens maybe early twenties she always made me laugh when she would panic with her curlers in that I might see her. It never mattered, I knew she was beautiful inside and out. On my wedding day she showed up as we were having pictures taken and I was so happy to see her. That meant a lot. In Banff for Stefanie’s wedding we shared so many laughs. I hope you all continue to smile and share her memories. Sending you all so much love as you heal and navigate this time. Love you Stefanie
Katie
Kay was such a beautiful soul and the best vegan cupcake maker I’ve ever met. She was always so warm and full of life. It was a pleasure to be in her company.
Sending so much love and wonderful memories.
Susan and Richard
The memories Richard and I have of Kay are all of her being so much fun, laughing and enjoying our time with her on the dance floor and at the pub after Stefanie and Matt’s wedding. Stefanie shared photo albums with me while visiting Whitehorse and all of the pictures made me smile, seeing this beautiful family over the years just enjoying life. We are so sad that you all have had to go through such a great loss and please know that we will be thinking of you during this difficult time and going forward. Kay is at peace now and as time goes on you will be able to share stories of all the beautiful memories she has left for you. You will be able to tell Scarlet, Dallas and River all about their beautiful Grandmother. Sending our love to your whole family.
Richard & Susan
Our fondest memory of Kay is this beautiful, proud, fun loving lady, especially at Matt and Stefanie’s wedding. We are so sad that you all have had to go through such a great loss and please know that we will be thinking of you during this difficult time and going forward. Kay is at peace now and as time goes on you will be able to share stories of all the beautiful memories she has left for you. You will be able to tell Scarlet, Dallas and River all about their beautiful Grandmother. Sending our love to your whole family.
Jodi Macdonald
My condolences are with your entire family. Stefanie, it’s been a very long time since I’ve seen you, but I know the heartache you’re going through too well. My wish for you and your family is that you can find peace through this very difficult time. Keep her memory alive. She sounds like she was an amazing person and mother. Talk about her often, talk to her and surround yourselves with loved ones. I only met her briefly when we were young and I came over to your house, so I don’t know her well but she’s made a beautiful family. Love to the entire family.
Jessica Hill
I am deeply sorry to hear about Kay’s passing. Although I only had the pleasure of meeting her a few times, her warmth and kindness were truly evident. My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire family. Kay’s memory will surely be cherished by all who knew her.
Rest in peace, Kay.
Brianne V
Stefanie, Gemma & Mr Richardson, sending you all so much love as you navigate this loss. Mrs Richardson had a beautiful smile that could light up the room, I could feel the love in her smile. I hope you all find comfort within each other and the grandchildren as you see glimmers of her spirit in all of you. Stefanie, you got this buddy! Love you
Jennifer Crane
Stefanie and Gemma, I am so very sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. While I only had the pleasure of meeting your mom once, she sounds like an amazing person who raised two incredible daughters. I hope that the memories that you’ve created over the years will bring you comfort. Sending all my love to you and your family.
Judy Shepalo
I’m so sorry for your loss Stefanie and offer my sincere condolences to you, your sister, your Dad, Matt and Lee and the children. I’m glad to have met Kay several times over the years and think of her as a kind, gentle, sweet and loving person. My Mum also thought very highly of her. I’m so glad you and your family were able to be by her side during her final days and I hope you take consolation in that fact. My heart goes out to you but Kay is at rest now and you’ll be able to share special memories of her with the children as they grow up. Thinking of you today and always with nothing but love and affection. xx
Jaynn Miller
Wilf, Gemma, Stefanie and families we enjoyed sharing some times with Kay who was always welcoming, always interested in what we and our ‘kids’ are up to. It was fun to share in her excitement at Matt and Stef’s wedding. You have wonderful memories to hang onto and share.
Our thoughts and love are with you all. Kevin and Jaynn
‘Perhaps there are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.’ An Eskimo Saying
Ralph Hodgson
Just wanted to say , you are not forgotten here in Burlington. I remember Kay well. We always had a chat before the service started. She has a lovely photo. You wouldn’t recognize anyone at the church as think I only know a few folks myself as the church has grown so much as we had 3 Sunday morning services. – Full house each time. Trusting the Lord to give you peace and comfort.
Antonio Blanco , Care Pastor Glad Tidings Church Burlington ON
You are loved and remembered by the GT family. We will continue to pray for God’s peace and comfort to cover your entire family as you honor the memory of our beloved Kay,
Antonio Blanco
Anita Szelestowski
Dear Wilf, Gemma and Stefanie,
I am so sorry to hear this very sad and shocking news of my friend Kay, she was such a joy to be with and so kind in helping me with all my Foster Children .
Every Sunday at Church she would sit with me to help me with the my babies just so kind .
Thank you Wilf for letting me know and am so sorry to hear this , I pray that you all are well.