Katharina "Katie" Pakalnis

Katie was predeceased by her husband, Steve Pakalnis; her parents Jakob and Katharina Staufenberger, her brother, Hans Staufenberger (Renate); and her brother-in-law, Paul Bartley (Elizabeth). She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Bartley, and will be deeply missed by her children, Elizabeth Pakalnis, Angela Fleming, Regina Bell, and Peter Pakalnis (Dawn Whalls).

Family was at the heart of Katie’s life. She leaves behind the grandchildren she adored: Steven Fleming (Joanna), Megan Netting (Caleb), Sarah Whelan, Charlie Pakalnis and Karina Pakalnis, along with her treasured great grand-children, Jack and Cooper Fleming, and, Kensley and Cole Netting.

Born on May 3, 1930, in Nova Pazova, in the former Yugoslavia, Katie immigrated to Canada following the hardships of the Second World War. She later met Steve Pakalnis, who had emigrated from Lithuania, and together they settled in Rodney, Ontario, where they raised their four children on the family farm.

Known simply as “Katie”, she was a strong, hardworking, and generous woman with a spirited nature who always spoke her mind. Preparing delicious meals for family and friends was one of the many ways she showered her love. She also had a gift for knitting and spent her retirement years knitting beautiful woolen mittens, scarves, hats, and socks that were donated to various charitable organizations. Katie also found great fulfillment in volunteering at a local seniors’ home where she visited with European residents, offering companionship and a familiar connection. Her faith was an important part of her life and quietly guided the compassion, generosity, and resilience she showed to others. Katie’s legacy lives on through the family she cherished and the values she instilled – hard work, generosity, hospitality, perseverance, and compassion.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Dearness Home, Forest Glen, for the exceptional care, kindness, and dignity they provided to Katie.

In keeping with her wishes, Katie will be cremated. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Needham Funeral Home in London on Wednesday, September 23 from 11 AM - 12 PM, with the funeral following from 12 PM - 1 PM, followed by a reception. A private family internment will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to Mission Services of London.

Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever in our hearts.