Obituary for Kathleen Susan "Kathy" Priestley
Priestley, Kathleen “Kathy” Susan
Age 70 passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Grand River Hospital after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Born September 24, 1950, in Elmhurst, Illinois to Betty and Joseph Caruso, Kathy had been a resident of Kitchener-Waterloo since 1989.
Kathy was a loving and devoted mother who lived by the mantra, “No matter what happens, everything will be okay”. She was a voracious reader, talented gardener, world-class shopper, and an even better gift giver. A resourceful DIY-er and true Jill-of-all-Trades, she was proud to have worn many professional hats in her life - from real estate agent to respiratory therapist, to being the first female ski lift operator in the state of Wisconsin.
A talented artist and lover of the macabre, Kathy enjoyed sharing a good thrill. Whether scaring teachers by sending her children to school with realistic special effect wounds at Halloween, or rewinding the “blow-up parts” in action movies for a closer view, she was fearless and could find the fun and humour in everything. She encouraged critical thinking, asking questions and she taught her children the value of coming to their own conclusions by listening to opinions and ideas different from their own.
Kathy is survived by her husband Dennis; children Elizabeth, Patrick, and Maija; and siblings Michael Caruso, Carol Caruso, and Mary Denton.
A special thanks to the staff in the Grand River Hospital ICU (especially Ian) for being so accommodating and comforting during such a difficult time.
Arrangements entrusted to the Henry Walser Funeral Home, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. A celebration of life will happen at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ovarian Cancer Canada
https://ovariancanada.org
“Five fingers and five toes!”
Visit www.henrywalser.com to view Kathy's memorial.
Age 70 passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Grand River Hospital after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Born September 24, 1950, in Elmhurst, Illinois to Betty and Joseph Caruso, Kathy had been a resident of Kitchener-Waterloo since 1989.
Kathy was a loving and devoted mother who lived by the mantra, “No matter what happens, everything will be okay”. She was a voracious reader, talented gardener, world-class shopper, and an even better gift giver. A resourceful DIY-er and true Jill-of-all-Trades, she was proud to have worn many professional hats in her life - from real estate agent to respiratory therapist, to being the first female ski lift operator in the state of Wisconsin.
A talented artist and lover of the macabre, Kathy enjoyed sharing a good thrill. Whether scaring teachers by sending her children to school with realistic special effect wounds at Halloween, or rewinding the “blow-up parts” in action movies for a closer view, she was fearless and could find the fun and humour in everything. She encouraged critical thinking, asking questions and she taught her children the value of coming to their own conclusions by listening to opinions and ideas different from their own.
Kathy is survived by her husband Dennis; children Elizabeth, Patrick, and Maija; and siblings Michael Caruso, Carol Caruso, and Mary Denton.
A special thanks to the staff in the Grand River Hospital ICU (especially Ian) for being so accommodating and comforting during such a difficult time.
Arrangements entrusted to the Henry Walser Funeral Home, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. A celebration of life will happen at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ovarian Cancer Canada
https://ovariancanada.org
“Five fingers and five toes!”
Visit www.henrywalser.com to view Kathy's memorial.