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
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Stan and Marg Campbell
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Janet Penny-Cook 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
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Susan MacKay 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.
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Vaughn Amirault Sorry to hear,accept my sympathy.
West Pubnico,Yarmouth County,Nova Scotia
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David & Michele Mac Dougall Sorry to hear of your moms passing . She was a wonderful lady. Our thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow.
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Stena Carter Cook 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.
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Phil & Anne Irons 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
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Amilda MacKinnon Kelly 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.
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Charlie and Colleen MacKinnon 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.
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Evelyn Mann 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.
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Lyle Carter 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.
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Jessie O'Keefe 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.
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Jamey Urquhart 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.
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Rena Mae MacDonald 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.
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Hugh R. McLeod 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 1L9Hugh R. McLeod
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Lorraine Thompson and family 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
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jayne Seaman Jenny, Rob, George and families,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
With love,
Sam
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Lisa Goldberg 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
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Andrea and Tryna 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.
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Harold & Madeline (Carter) Davis 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.
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Paula Morrissey and family 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.
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Gordon Seaman & Barry Merkley Please accept our heart felt condolences.
Love, Gordon and Barry
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