My deepest condolences on the passing of Kate. While I did not know her well in high school, she was always a kind soul. Rest in Peace, Katherine.

There are no words that can fully express my condolences to Kelvin, Grace, family and friends on the loss of such a wonderful woman. 

I had the privilege of working with Katherine for several years. Her smile and positivity  were infectious (if one was having a rough day or felt overwhelmed, stopping by to catch up with Katherine guaranteed an instant pick-me-up), her creativity unparalleled, and her kindness limitless. She could walk into any situation with confidence and grace. The commissioner of the day once commented how impressed she was by Katherine after sitting down to be interviewed by her - I said she could sit down with the Queen of England and be unfazed and remain professional. She knew her place - and that was everywhere a story was waiting to be told. 

She touched many lives, making those around her feel safe, accepted, appreciated and heard. 

For those who knew her, I’m sorry for your loss. For those who didn’t, I’m sorry you never had the privilege of spending time with the dynamic Katherine… 

She will be remembered fondly and missed by many. 

Sharon Tessier

Kelvin and Grace. 

My heart is so heavy to hear that you've lost your wife and mom. Katherine was my boss lady at the Gazette for seven years and she often spoke about you. The love she felt for you both was undeniable. 

Grace, she loved running with you and picking up empty pop cans from the street. She was so proud of all your school projects, and the baking you did. 

Kelvin, she loved playing disc gold with you and was so proud showing me how to installed them all over your yard. We bonded over her telling me about your Ukrainian family and how our families both make and eat all the pierogies. She was also so proud of you for all the beautiful renovations you did on your house. 

I look back fondly on the day she had the Gazette team over for a barbeque. While you made us pork on the grill, she told us about all the wildlife that comes through your yard. As if it heard us talking about it, a deer wandered out onto the grass and we just all stood there watching in awe. I cherish how Katherine allowed us into her world that day, sitting and eating around the table with you and Grace, and noshing on her garlicy kale salad, which she made from her own garden. 

I will remember Katherine for bringing in cookies every Christmas. Cookies she baked with Grace of course. And the giant zuccunis she grew and brought us for lunch. But most of all, I will remember her kindness, understanding of her employees, and how down to earth she was. She was truly a wonderful boss and a great person. She will be missed. 

"God himself with be with [his people]. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain." 

- Revelation 21:4

Kelvin and Grace,

I worked with Katherine for many years, most closely during the earlier days of our RCMP careers two decades ago. She always made me laugh, with her quick wit and directness. I appreciated her practical approach to work, and learned a lot from her as a writer and editor at the RCMP.  While she was always professional in her approach to her job, she never missed an opportunity to make everyone laugh with her dry sense of humour or clever turn of phrase. I especially enjoyed our team Friday morning breakfasts at the old NHQ cafeteria -- where zingers were plenty, and light roasting kept us all humble. 

Katherine left a mark on her colleagues and her work. She made a lasting impression on me, and I'm grateful for that.

Jamela and I are thinking of you both, and wishing you comfort in the days ahead.

I knew Kathy growing up  in the same neighbourhood in Aylmer. I remember her as someone kind, genuine and funny.  I was very sad to hear of her passing away. My heartfelt sympathy to the loved ones she has left behind.

Dear Kelvin and Grace, 

I am so very sorry to hear of Katherine's passing. 

Katherine was one of the most lovely people I have ever met. She had a true understanding of all the things that matter in life. Katherine enjoyed the little moments - reading by the window, time with Bijou, gardening and time with family.  

She was more than a colleague to me - in only a year and a half of working together she quickly became my friend. There was an ease of being around Katherine, and a sense of peace and trustworthiness. From her, I learned to be a true Gazette writer, and how to polish up my run-on sentences. 

Katherine will be missed and cherished for a lifetime. My heart is with you both.

Meagan Massad

Dear Kelvin,

I was very sad to hear that Kate had  passed away.    She was such a 
lovely person.  I certainly have great memories of our runs together
and canoe trip. 
You and Grace will be in my thoughts.

Chantal

I was so very sorry to hear about Katherine’s passing. We met near the end of university, and although our time together was brief, she left a lasting impression on me. She was one of the kindest and most genuinely positive people I’ve ever known.

I’ll always cherish the memories of our trip to the Dominican Republic, and how she accompanied me to Toronto to visit my future husband. Her warmth and friendship made those moments even more special.

Katherine brought a wonderful light into my life, and I know she touched so many others in the same way. I’m truly sorry for your loss, and I hope you find comfort in the love and memories she leaves behind.

To Katherine's family and extended circle of friends and colleagues,

I will always cherish the gift of collaborating with Katherine on a special 150th Anniversary edition of the Gazette. 

She was such a treat to work with -- engaging, open-minded, and fun.

Such a terrible loss.

But having read the condolence messages, it's clear that she's touched many in ways that will last a long time.  It's impossible to think about her and not smile. 

Warmest regards,

Derek Johnston

I worked with Katherine at the RCMP as my first writing job out of university. I learned so much from her and really treasure the time, care and interest she poured into me. When I broke my foot 4 weeks to the day before leaving for Paris, she “signed” my cast for me with a sticker: Suck it up, princess. She told me she’d write it on her shoes for long races to keep her going. I looked down at that sticker as I hobbled through the cobblestone streets at least once a day and it did indeed keep me going. I still repeat the phrase to myself even now to keep me moving forward when I think I’ve hit a wall.

As a boss, she was kind and smart, supportive, but still held you to certain expectations. She might have been petite but she wasn’t going to be pushed around. I admired her greatly. 

Grace and Kelvin, I’m deeply sorry for your loss. She was truly one of a kind. I’ll be thinking of you (and her). May her memory be a blessing.

From the Aylmer Bulletin family, we send our condolences. May Katherine’s family & friends find peace in this sad sad time.
-Lily

I was so saddened to learn of Katherine's passing. I worked with Katherine for several years and have so many lovely memories. She was a wonderful colleague, very kind and always supportive. We shared many laughs over lunch breaks, Friday breakfasts in the cafeteria and supper club with other colleagues. I was always impressed by her talent as a writer and storyteller as well as her dedication to running. I know she will be so very missed by so many and my deepest condolences go out to all of the Katherine's family, friends and loved ones.

Kevin and Grace. 
We are so very sorry for your loss.  We had the absolute pleasure of knowing Kate in the early 2000s living here in Ottawa. We got to camp a few times together and she was my inspiration for starting running. I was always able to catch the back of her as she sprinted past me in a race. She was a very kind and caring person.  She was able to command respect with just her gentle wisdom and spirit.  She is truly an inspirational person whom will be loved and missed dearly.  
Vish and Yolanda Nandlall.

I was deeply saddened to receive word of Katherine’s passing. She was truly a remarkable person who touched the hearts of so many around her. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends who stood by her and supported her through her courageous battle with cancer. May her memory live on in our hearts, and may you all find strength and comfort during this difficult time.

Kate was such a lovely, warm and funny woman. We did not see her as often as we would have liked, but when we did she radiated warmth and compassion. Kate will be missed.  Sending love to Kelvin and Grace.

Deepest sympathies to Katherine’s family and those who loved her. 

Working alongside Katherine was a delight, and while too short, I am grateful to have crossed paths with her. Her cheery disposition and welcoming nature were truly unwavering, even in our chats following the unwelcome news.  

Her zest for life and curiosity were evident, whether it was through finessing her coffee barista skills, training for an upcoming race, or volunteering at an exotic bird sanctuary. 

May her legacy live on, be that through the stories she wrote, or the ones she shared. 

Katherine may have been a little lady, but she certainly left a big impact on the spaces she touched. 

Warm thoughts and prayers, 
Mara Shaw

My most sincere condolences to the whole family. I hired Katherine for her first job into the RCMP. Kate was such a beautiful sole and fantastic writer. Rest in peace my dear friend.

Dave MacDonald
Retired Staff Sargent, RCMP

To  Kelvin , Grace, and Katherine's extended family members and friends,  

Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers since learning the sad news of Katherine's passing. I will always remember her kindness, cheerful disposition, and the incredible strength she carried in such a small package that inspired so many of us. 

We worked together for many years in the RCMP and shared a unique connection within our communications world to the SRR Program. 

I remember we were both looking for a change at work, so we encouraged each other to apply for our mutual positions and then swapped roles. It was meant to be, with Katherine taking up the helm of the Gazette, making it her own, and evolving the magazine into an online format for readers around the world. 

These shared experiences kept us connected through the years. I was always grateful for her knowledge, insight, and, in particular, the talks we shared about our families. 

I know our entire SRR family mourns her passing, and our mutual friend Clara, who shared Katherine's love of running and healthy eating, is waiting for her on the other side. 

With love and deepest sympathies for your profound loss, 
Heather Hamilton

My deepest condolences to Grace, Kelvin and family. I hope you take comfort in the light that Katherine brought to everything she did and may it always shine for you. I have many memories of Katherine from our “girls club” at work where we went on different adventures whether it was trying out unique restaurants around the city, snowshoeing in Gatineau Park, having a tea reading or being shushed a few too many times at Le Nordik. I will always remember her with a smile on her face and a laugh not far behind. I was fortunate to see her one last time in the beautiful home she loved with her favourite people and pets. She will always be remembered by her RCMP NCS family.

So sad to hear of Kathy’s passing…. Much too soon

To Katherine’s family:

Please accept my sincerest condolences. 

For such a little lady, Katherine packed a lot of punch! Her light, wit, humour, professionalism, kindness, and strength left a lasting positive impression on me and many others.

She will be deeply missed and was greatly admired.

With sympathy,
Lisa

I worked with Katherine. I didn’t work directly with her. But there were times where I sought her advice, and our files crossed paths. She was always so helpful when I came to her with ideas. I always appreciated that. I feel that she would have been an amazing manager to have. She had so much experience and wisdom to pass along.

I always found her so cheerful and full of life. She emitted positive vibes. It was hard not to smile when you were with her. The world was better with her in it.

When they told us her cancer returned, I wrote her a message. I asked her not to give up, to keep fighting. I lost my mother when I was young (not as young as Grace). But seeing my mom fight and seeing her determination impacted me to this day.

Katherine told me that she had no intention of giving in. She told me that she’s fighting for her family so they can see that she will do anything to be here even a little longer with them. And she told me that she hopes they see how important it is not to give up.

No words can ease the pain of what Katherine’s family and friends are going through right now. But by sharing stories, we can remember the good memories of her and see the lasting impression she had on everybody she crossed paths with. 

My thoughts and prayers to her family in this difficult time.

Sabrina

It is difficult to come up with the right words. Ironically Katherine was a master of the written word. 
 
I am so very sorry for the loss of Katherine. My thoughts are with Kelvin, Grace and all family and friends who know and love her. 

I remember when Katherine was going to run a race in Iceland and I spent quite a bit of time chatting with her about that experience.  I was fascinated and so impressed by her love of running. 

She will be missed by so many and was taken much, much too soon. 

Strength to you all,

Michelle Rose

Dear Katherine’s Family,

I want to extend my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Katherine was a truly kind and thoughtful person, and I feel fortunate to have known her. I miss her presence at work, her calm energy, and the way she always brought a little light into the day.

I especially miss our conversations about the parrots. I still remember telling her about my family going to PPC, and how her eyes lit up as she talked about wanting to try it out herself. Those chats meant a lot to me, and they’re memories I’ll always hold onto.

Please know that I'm thinking of you during this difficult time. Katherine made a lasting impression and I will miss her deeply.

With sympathy,
Martin

"The dinner party group" ~1986. Top row left to right: Jon Rayner, Ian Stobert, Andrew Eddy. Bottom row left to right: Christine Meyers, Deanne McLintock, Kate, Pam Wright.  Eat your heart out, Breakfast Club.

Hallowe'en (1982? 83?). I was a "valley girl" and Kate was a "rich lady".

Vacation with Kate in Cancun, Mexico. 1986 I think.

High school musical - The Mikado - 1983? 84? Not sure. Also in the photo: Pam Wright (bottom right) and Carolyn Tong (top right).

Philemon Wright High School prom, 1986. Also in the photo: Sonia Kim (top right) and Nicki Paulun (bottom left).

I met Kate when we were about eight years old, growing up in Champlain Park in Aylmer. We were best friends all through childhood and our teenage years. We spent so much time outdoors—building forts, exploring the woods, and skating on the frozen flooded forest behind our houses. One winter, we wore frilly dresses under our coats so we could pretend to be ice dancers. Inside, we made cardboard mansions for her cat Whooser or sewed outfits for our Barbies out of fabric scraps. We were always dreaming something up.

In the summers, Kate would come with my family and the Newmans to a remote hunting and fishing camp in Quebec. We'd spend days swimming in the lake, sunning ourselves on the big rock on the island, exploring in canoes, picking blueberries, playing cards, and getting eaten alive by mosquitoes. Those trips are some of my most cherished memories. The last time we went, we must have been around 19 or 20. A group of us drove up, and one of the cars broke down in the woods. We all had to squeeze into the remaining car and got lost on the logging roads, finally arriving late at night—sustained entirely by the butter tarts Kate had baked for the trip.

Kate was kind, loyal, and always up for anything. Even though life took us in different directions, whenever we reconnected it felt easy and familiar, like no time had passed. The last time I saw her was in November 2024, at Ghost Hill Farm—the beautiful old farmhouse that had belonged to her grandmother, where we'd played as kids. It was so special to see her there with her husband Kelvin and daughter Grace.

I wish I’d had more time with her. I always thought we’d have it. But I’m so grateful for the friendship we shared and the memories that shaped so much of my early life. Kate made my world brighter just by being in it. She was taken far too soon, and my heart is with everyone who loved her.

OBITUARY

Ms. Katherine Aldred

6 May, 1969 – 29 April, 2025

Maison funeraire Racine, Robert & Gauthier Beauchamp Funeral Home

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