Kathleen Anne Rath

Kathleen (Kay) Anne Rath (nee: Vos) was born in Spring Lake, Alberta on September 24, 1924, the eleventh child of a family of thirteen children. Kay, full of peace and grace, went to her eternal life on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at the age of 94 years.

Kay is remembered as a quiet, humble, faith filled sister and aunt. She had a great sense of humor and was witty with a little smile and a twinkle in her eye. Kay had an amazing memory and was known as the family historian. She remembered people, dates and events with clarity.

Kay was born in the “roaring twenties”, lived through the depression of the thirties and World War II in the forties. Through these years, Kay completed her schooling first in Spring Lake at Fr. Leo School, Stearn School, where her sister Helen was her teacher, by correspondence, and finished high school in Edmonton where she lived in Rosary Hall. Following her career path as a teacher, Kay took a two month teaching course at Normal School (shortened because of the war) and embarked on her teaching career. She taught in several small rural schools such as Hardisty and Fort McMurray before joining the Separate School Board in Edmonton until her marriage to Walter Rath in 1960. Kay was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed musical activities.

Travel was something that Kay enjoyed. She took several trips, traveling with her siblings and families and then with Walter to many places in the world: Eastern Canada including Expo 67, the US, a pilgrimage to Europe, as well as travel through many European countries. She took several trips to Hawaii. In her later years Kay joined her sister Genevieve and Brother Alfred, OFM, on a trip to Italy.

Family was important to Kay. In her earlier years she lived with several of her siblings. In her later years, Kay and her sister Genevieve were very close and spent many happy hours traveling and socializing together. Kay loved family gatherings and attended many family reunions, weddings, and birthday parties.

A devout Catholic, Kay was active in the church in several capacities. She was a member of the CWL, sang in the choir, and was a Secular Franciscan. Kay was a long time member of the St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish. Since moving to Care West Royal Park, Kay has been a member of the St. James Parish. The Pastoral Care team from St. James were important members in Kay’s life.  Over the years, Kay did volunteer work at several places including seniors’ centers.

For the past 10 years, Kay was a resident of Care West Royal Park care center. In her quiet, unassuming way, Kay quickly became a favorite resident with staff and fellow residents. The family is grateful to the staff and volunteers at Royal Park for their dedicated compassionate care.

Kay is survived by her loving sister Genevieve, sister-in-laws Jean Vos and Mary Vos, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, eleven siblings, and several nieces and nephews. We will miss Kay’s gentle, quiet, humble presence in our family gatherings.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church (5504 20 Street SW) on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 10:00 am. Graveside service to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Kathleen’s family through www.evanjstrong.com. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre (P.O. Box 430 Cochrane, Alberta, T4C 1A6; 403-932-2012; http://www.mountstfrancis.ca/), or to support Resident activities at Royal Park through the Calgary Health Trust for Care West Royal Park (800, 11012 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary, AB, T2J 6A5; 403-943-0615; http://www.calgaryhealthtrust.ca/). Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES.  (403) 265-1199

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