Katherine Lynn Stenabaugh

Lynn passed away on Wednesday 14th October at Southlake Hospital at the age of 79, following a battle with leukemia. She lived a compassionate life, always putting the needs of others before herself.

She was predeceased by her loving husband John, her parents Jim Allison and Clara (nee McPhee) and her dear youngest sister, Evelyn Gardner and brother-in-law Stuart Gardner.

Lynn will be greatly missed by her daughter Allison Idestrup (Chris), and son Darryl Stenabaugh (Kerry), her sisters Janice Allison and Margaret MacDonald (Bill). She was a loving grandmother to Emilie Idestrup and Lewis Stenabaugh, a loving aunt to Heather, Stacy and Bryan MacDonald and great-aunt to Connor MacDonald.

Lynn taught modern languages at Cedarbrae Collegiate from 1968-1971. Family was always everything to Lynn and she left teaching to stay home and care for her children. Fitting her selfless nature, she also found time to volunteer for Telecare in Burlington during this time. Once both children were in school, she went to Osgoode Hall Law School as a mature student.

Following her Call to the Bar, she became an editor at DeBoo Publishing, later Carswell, and eventually had the privilege of working as a tax writer in the offices of Stikeman, Elliott until 2003.

Both Lynn and John retired early and enjoyed family time in their home in Aurora, volunteered at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Aurora, and then enjoyed years of travel together. Her light shone brightest when caring for others, and it was never more powerful than when she provided dedicated, loving care to John following his diagnosis of Parkinson’s.

A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Doctors Without Borders (MSF) or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Sincere thanks to the wonderful staff in the cancer ward at Southlake for their care during her final days.