Catherine Margaret Kilvert

Cathy was a devoted wife, mother, and teacher. These things were of great importance and deeply gratifying to her. She had a strong sense of what was valuable in a person, making her an excellent mother, devoted friend, and educator.

Catherine was the daughter of the late John Francis O’Connor and Alice (Mielke) of Halifax. Her Aunt Mary O’Connor and Uncle Victor O’Connor were a constant presence and very important to her throughout her life.

Catherine's loving husband Robert (Bob) Francis Kilvert predeceased her in March of 2022. They were inseparable and married for 56 years. Her son Robert lives in Vancouver with his wife Nadine McPherson and Catherine's incredible granddaughter Eve. Cathy’s devoted daughter Elizabeth lives in Ottawa with her husband David Campbell.

Her dear sister Judy Connolly is married to Dennis and lives in Chester Nova Scotia. Her sister Mary Alice O’Connor-Hayes lives in Toronto and was married to the late Walter Hayes. She is predeceased by her brother John O’Connor whose wife Barbara is in Halifax. Her nieces and nephews are; Christopher, Stephen, Catherine Mary, Sean, Jennifer, Jamie, Matthew, Keith, and Sarah.

Catherine graduated from St. Patrick's High School and received a BSc and a BEd from Mount Saint Vincent University. She was an active student and played basketball. She always wanted to join the choir but they would not let her sing. Cathy was happy to tell you this right up until her final days.

Teaching was a vocation and her love of education began in high school when Catherine taught children with all levels of abilities at Halifax City day camps. Her career in teaching focused on elementary students and began at St Thomas Aquinas. She taught at Holly Drive and Westmount until her retirement in 1997.

During her life she was involved with the Girl Guides of Canada and as a Girl Guide she traveled to Europe on the Queen Mary in 1956 with the organization.

Catherine was very active in her church; reading at mass, welcoming new Canadians, and teaching catechism to children and adults. She truly upheld all the best principles of being a Catholic and having a deep faith.

She was a keen gardener, loved flowers, and was an avid swimmer. Her swimming could be in the ocean, Chocolate Lake, or at the Dalplex Pool. Holidays and special occasions were to be celebrated. Catherine was an incredible cook, baker, and host.

She was also a dedicated card giver and letter writer. You were very fortunate to be in her circle of correspondence. Her writing was detailed and communicative and often accompanied by photos that she had taken.

Summers were spent with Bob in their beloved garden, cherished neighbourhood, and throughout Nova Scotia and PEI. Summers and holidays saw get-togethers with family and friends from near and far. She delighted in company and all were always welcome.

Thank you to the O’Connor and Connolly families for a lifetime of friendship and support. A special thanks to everyone on Alderwood and Birchwood throughout the years. Thank you to all of her dear friends both here and departed.

In memoriam donations can be made to the Stephen Lewis Foundation: Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, Hope Cottage, or a charity of your choice.

A Memorial Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will take place on August 15th at 11:00am. This will be followed by a reception. Both will take place at Cruikshank's Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia.