Mary Katherine van Adrichem NEE Baillargeon

“Formally” she was known as Mary Katherine, some called her Katherine, to Close friends, she was Kathy.

To her children, of course, she was MOM.

Kathy passed away at Echo Village with her daughter Barb by her side from complications due to dementia.

Mary Katherine is predeceased by her mother and father Alice and Louis Baillargeon and her brothers Louis and John.

Left to Grieve is Her last remaining sibling A. Michael (Bert) Baillargeon.

She will be sorely missed and loving remembered by Her husband Theodorus (Ted), his family; Ted Jr. (Kristy), Art (Ester), Martin (Rhonda),

Grandchildren: Sam, Jacob, Justin, Dustin, Jared, Zachary and Courtney.

Missed, Loved and never forgotten by Her Children, Gerry Jr., Barb (Doug), Paul (Michele), Jeff (Michele), Michele (Bert).

Grandchildren: Joey (Tara), Adam (Kiley), Ryan, Jason, Alysha, Brooke, Jennifer (Nick), Brandon (Chelsey), Cole (Marley).

Great Grandchildren: Mason, Isabella, Marley, Lukas, Ilsabeth, Sebastian and Skylah.

Ted and Katherine’s time together was far too short. They found each other after the passing of her second husband in hopes that they would be spending a long time together. She soon started displaying signs of memory loss, which unexpectedly and quickly developed into Mixed dementia. “For better or worse” Ted took those vows to heart. Katherine did not make it easy for him sometimes; but often He could make her laugh and defuse her “moods”. Ted cooked and cared for Her to the best of His ability. His Love for His wife was obvious, and our Family is grateful for that Ted!

It is a cruel disease. We found a handwritten copy of a poem. She knew in her heart something was wrong but, just like her to not want to worry us, she kept it a secret. The poem was never shown to us. It turns out it is titled, the “Alzheimer’s poem”. It sums up all that she experienced.

Family first!

Mom cherished being a mother. She fought to be the best she could be. Even as her memory failed, when we went to visit in the hospital, the first thing she would say is …. Oh Hi...what’s wrong? Is everything ok?

Are you hungry? Here, have this, I don’t want it. She was always concerned about US.

She was mostly Identified as the “sports Mom” of Five active children. Mom was our # 1 cheerleader at all our events. Her support did not stop at her children. She absolutely loved watching her friend Linda’s grand daughter Carlie’s dance recitals. When her own Great granddaughters began dancing, she was over-the-moon, beaming with pride! She coordinated all our activities and school obligations like a conductor. Maybe that is because she started playing the piano around the age of 6 and loved to listen to, and jumped at every opportunity, to see live orchestras.

We never left the house without a hot meal and when our friends were around, she always made them feel welcome. Her happy place was in the kitchen. “Kathy’s” baking was always expected and welcome at family gatherings. Never a Christmas went by without “her mother’s” (Alice) butter balls and shortbread.

The sight of a camera brought Moans, Groans and Eye rolls to all that was her “Victim”. She would make us stand together with what felt like hours, and smile. When we moved to BC, she discovered all the new beautiful places. She would have us trucking through the forest, by a water fall or laying in the long grass in a park. The Grand and Great grandkids were not left unscathed. First, we Hatted it, then it just turned into compliance, just to get it over with. But now, we have So many wonderful memories to look back on. Thanks’ Mom!

Mary Katherine was born and raised in Riverside, Ontario.

In 1974 she, along with her first husband Gerry Sr., moved the family from Amherstburg Ont. to Port Alberni where they developed friendships and connections, that helped make our family feel at home.

47 years later, our Neighbours Sandra and Larry remain friends.

Kathy was a tough cookie. She had some curious jobs along her journey.

She started working as store security officer at Woodwards around 1980. While there, she may NOT have made many friends, but she did meet one of her best friends Linda. They were like two peas in a pod.

There was never a dull moment which quite often developed into interesting stories over the years. She Loved that job and was sad to see the store be a victim of shutdowns in the area.

She later became a bartender and then worked at a beer and wine store where, in two separate occasions at two different locations was robbed. She was shaken, but not defeated.

Time passed and She started to long for Her friends and family “back home”. Needing to find a way to afford it, she did what she knew best. “BAKE” her way there. She started with her “famous” apple pies, and then to tourtiere, pies, her mom’s recipe), perogies, granola bars and of course cookies. Having quite a clientele, she met the challenge, succeeded and had a great visit that year.

Later, she became a Matron at the local RCMP detachment.

Upon retiring she enjoyed volunteering with Community Policing in the office taking messages and documenting events to pass onto Citizens on Patrol.

Kathy was a faithful member of the Catholic Church and the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), where she volunteered for several teas in the Church parish hall.

Kathy’s family would like to would like to extend a heart felt THANK YOU to the Doctors, nurses and care aids that cared for her during Her two months in West Coast General Hospital.

Her stay at Echo Village was short, but the staff there was truly kind and made our family comfortable as we spent Moms’ last days with her.

In leu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice on Mary Katherine’s behalf.