Obituary of Kathleen 'Kay' Winter

Winter, Kathleen ("Kay) - The family announces with great sorrow, the passing of Kay on February 19, 2007, at the age of 84 years with her family by her side. Predeceased by her parents, Albert George and Ellen Mary (nee Walker) Ealey, husband Melville ("Mel), sister Mary Kostal, brothers George, Herbert and long time companion Ralph Hagel. She is survived by sisters Alice McMillan of Assiniboia, Violet Nord of Ottawa, sister-in-law Reta Bergsteinson (nee Winter) of Regina, son Darrell ("Del) (Anna-Marie, nee Olynyk), grandson Ryan (Melisa, nee Omanovic), her precious great-grandsons Taylor, Caleb, Matthew of Regina, numerous nieces and nephews and beloved and faithful companion dog Abby. Kays parents immigrated from England to homestead on the family farm 5 miles west of Limerick, Saskatchewan where she was raised. Following completion of grade 12, Kay moved to Moose Jaw and completed a business course. On completion of her training she moved to Regina and commenced employment with the Department of Education and later the Saskatchewan Employers Association. During this period Kay married Mel in 1943. Shortly before the birth of her son, Kay ceased her employment to become a full-time mother. In 1952, Mel accepted a transfer and promotion to Winnipeg with his employer, Canadian National Railways. Tragically, in 1955 Mel was fatally injured in a vehicle accident. Following this devastating loss, Kay returned to Regina to be closer for the support of her family and friends and to re-establish her life and a new career. Shortly after her return to Regina Kay was employed by the federal government in the finance section at the Department of Agriculture (PFRA) and later the Department of Regional Economic Expansion (DREE) Western Region advancing to the Manager of Personnel Service and Support Section. Her knowledge in the personnel, benefits and payroll area was extensive and she was responsible for overseeing the requirements of several hundred employees and including 29 occupational groups. She continued to provide advice and consultation to the Department following her early retirement after 30 years with PFRA and DREE Western Region. Kay enjoyed the ability to travel in later years of her career to most provinces. She also enjoyed her winter vacations traveling on Caribbean cruises and to Hawaii. Following retirement she spent 15 winter seasons in Arizona where the climate was supportive of her respiratory conditions. Kays primary interest and focus throughout her life was her family. She also enjoyed family reunions, meeting with family, relatives and her network of friends and speaking with friends and relatives that she was unable to see personally. Funeral service will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina on Monday, February 26, 2007 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Jim Balfour officiating. Following the service interment will be at Riverside Memorial Park, beside Kays husband, Mel. Flowers are most gratefully declined, however donations in Kays memory may be made to Lung Association of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, Regina Humane Society or a charity of choice. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com