Obituary of Kathleen Ann McAllister

Kathleen Ann McAllister (Messner), age 57, passed away peacefully November 20th 2009 at home surrounded by family. Kathleen was calm and courageous thru her 2 year struggle with ALS. Kathleen is predeceased by her parents Andrew and Dorothy Messner, and her brother Ken. Kathleen is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Richard; her children Russell, Matthew, Heather and Shannon McAllister; her brother David Messner; her mother and sister in-law, brothers in-law and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Kathleen was born and raised in Saskatoon, where she graduated from the U of S nursing program in 1974. Her career in nursing took her to Tisdale, Saskatoon and Regina. She married in 1978 to long time admirer, Richard and they began their family in Regina. She and her family moved to Saskatoon in the early 80s and returned to settle in Regina in 1986. She worked part-time with Regina Public Health while raising her four children. Kathleen was an athlete, coach and volunteer who gave long standing support to the Girl Guide movement, SUN local 276, the Balfour Collegiate music department and numerous sporting organizations. Kathleen enjoyed many pastimes including gardening, golf, cross-stitch, quilting, stained-glass and knitting. As a youth, Kathleen was awarded the Junior Citizen of the Year award in Saskatoon for her outstanding volunteerism. She was inducted into both the Saskatoon and Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame for her 1973 gold medal in softball at the Canada Summer Games. She was a warm, generous and joyful daughter, wife and mother. Kathleen was able to enjoy the last years of her life at home because of the loving care provided by her husband and children. A special thank you is given to Dr. John Morris, Wascana Rehab OTs and Palliative Care staff. A viewing will be available from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 26th, 2009 at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina. The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27th, 2009 at Living Spirit Centre, 3018 Doan Drive, Regina. Donations are encouraged to be made to the ALS Society of Canada, www.als.ca, P.O. Box 31028, Regina, SK, S4R 8R6. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com