Kazimera (Kathy) Young

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kathy Young on July 19, 2021 at the age of 71...loving wife, mother, Babci, sister,  aunt/ciocia and friend. Kathy has been called home and is resting in the loving arms of her heavenly Father. Left to cherish her memory: Jim, her loving husband of 54 years; daughters Lori (James) and Shelley (Brent); grandchildren Eric, Lilli and Ethan; brother Stanley Szozda; sister Steffie Stupak and honorary daughter Angela Isaac (nee Stupak); as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Piotr and Anastasia Szozda; her in-laws Robert and Sophie  Young; sisters-in-law Julia Szozda, Lillian  McClurg and Jenny Neufeld; brothers-in-law Audie Stupak, Harold Quiring, Robert Young and Bill Neufeld; son-in-law Steven Meisner and honorary daughter Debbie Chubinski (nee Stupak).

Kathy was born in Bolkow, Poland to Piotr and Anastasia Szozda on November 12, 1949. She was the youngest of 3 children. The family  immigrated to Canada in March of 1959 and settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Kathy’s childhood loves were baseball and fashion. Kathy met Jim when she was 14 years old. She would say “it was love at first sight”. She was captivated by his striking blue eyes and dark hair as she and a friend rode their bikes past his house numerous times hoping to catch a glimpse. The feelings were mutual and they were  married on September 30, 1967. They were blessed with two daughters, Lori and Shelley. Kathy loved being a Mom but also wanted to go back to school. She graduated from the Scientific Marvel School of Beauty in 1975 thus beginning her 42 year career as a hairstylist. She loved making each of her customers feel special and developed many friendships over the years. In 1997, Jim was transferred to Calgary. This meant leaving her family in Winnipeg and beginning a new chapter where they forged many wonderful and lasting friendships... especially Molly and Bob and John and Rose.

Kathy was a person of deep faith in her Lord and held strong personal convictions. She shared her faith unapologetically. Kathy fiercely loved her family and friends. She loved being a Mom not only to Lori and Shelley but a second Mom to Angela and Debbie. She enjoyed family gatherings filled with lots of laughter, good company and good food and drink. Kathy was a warm and generous hostess always making people feel welcome and appreciated. She made entertaining look effortless. Kathy was also a fabulous cook. When family was coming in to visit, she would spend the day before preparing all their favorite dishes. Kathy made every holiday, birthday and celebration so special. It wasn’t until her daughters were old enough to be on their own that they realized birthday celebrations don’t go on for an entire week!

Kathy was a fashionista...always up on the latest hair trends and clothing styles. She was a very vibrant woman going to the gym 3 days a week, eating healthy, having card dates with John and Rose and going dancing with Bob and Molly. Kathy will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, epic road trips, her terrible poker face when playing Rummoli, unforgettable shopping excursions, her loving bear hugs, her willingness to lend an ear and provide counsel to her family and friends and in her last days, coaching and critiquing the wanna-a-be chefs on cooking shows from the comfort of her living room chair! The Grandkiddies will fondly remember water gun fights, playing video games, laser tag and bowling with Babci. When she played with her grandchildren, she was all in...crawling on the floor, chasing them around, learning about the things that interested each of them and made every moment count. They loved that she saw each of them for who they are and loved them unconditionally. They will especially miss her singing them lullabies and many of her silly made up songs and dances.

The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care she received from Dr. Donghan Sohn and the palliative team. Also, forever grateful to the Agape Hospice healthcare team. The staff were incredible with Kathy in her last days each bringing their own unique blend of compassion, dignity and care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kathy’s memory to Agape Hospice (1302 8th Ave NW, Calgary, AB  T2N 1B8; agapehospice.ca).

Dobry Jezu a nasz Panie, Daj im wieczne spoczywanie.

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