16-Jun-1932 - 6-Mar-2024
Kathleen (Kay) Elizabeth Schell sadly left us suddenly on March 6th, 2024 after a brief illness. She was born June 16th, 1932 in Pickering Township. Dear daughter of Flossie & Stan, beloved sister of John, Earl & Lorne. She is survived by her daughters Kimberly, Heather (Gerry), son, David (Susan), Grandchildren Chris (Ashley), Jordan (Alexandra), Kennedy (Nicole), her dear Great Grandchildren Aubreigh, Braxten & Audrey, her Brothers and their families and loving partner David Fiske.
Kay lived a beautiful, dignified life. A discerning woman with classic taste, she provided love, comfort, advice, life lessons and a never ending supply of home baked cookies while asking little in return. Her husband Larry (March 6, 1928 - Sept 22, 2011) adored her & together they taught their children loyalty, honesty, integrity, compassion, work ethic and the confidence necessary to live a happy, fulfilling life.
As a single gal, she worked on a career in nursing in Stouffville, Toronto & Sudbury, as well as a stint as a Bell Telephone Operator…then, along came Larry. Interestingly, the two were formally introduced by Larry’s sister, who just happened to be married to Kay’s Uncle…cementing the family ties that bind! They married in Markham on June 25th, 1955. They lived in Toronto when first daughter Kim arrived, then moved to Richmond Hill when Heather & David joined the family. Her family was her sole focus, and she took care of them like the Mother Hen she was. She worried about them, rooted for them, taught them, protected them, forgave transgressions, and always, always kept on loving them.
Once her chicks had flown the coop, she volunteered with the Cancer Society transporting patients to Princess Margaret for weekly treatments. She also worked with Joan Flett at the Bombay Company (between the two of them there was never a more spotless store!) Kay also worked for Seneca College, Finch Campus and later managed & then retired from the Bookstore at Seneca King Campus.
Kay loved properly arranged flowers, a nice glass of wine, a cookie before bed, meeting each day with a touch of lipstick and matching necklace & earrings, dark chocolate, clothes shopping, cozy socks, bird watching, the cottage in Haliburton, the simplicity of a warm summers day on the porch, the moon & the stars, knitting, folk art painting and cooking elaborate, delicious meals for family & friends.
Kay will be desperately missed by all those she’s left behind. Our hearts are broken by her loss. She was our Thompson Family Matriarch – a one of a kind wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend.
To be loved by her was to be truly blessed.
A Celebration of Life will be held in June. In lieu of flowers, donations to Margaret Bahen Hospice would be appreciated. Please see link below, scroll down to Tribute (In Honour or Memory of) section and include Kathleen’s name. Thank you very much.
Arrangements entrusted to Taylor Funeral Home