Katherine was my colleague when I first entered the OPS and we worked together on policy in the Equity Unit of the Ministry of Labour. We also had children around the same time and I recall her enthusiasm for her family life. I was impressed with her thoughtfulness, her quiet manner and her steadfastness in ensuring that stakeholder consultations were truly broad and that people with limited lobbying power were heard and their perspectives brought forward in determining proposals to the government. She was a model servant of the public's interest! She will be missed greatly by her family and the many work colleagues for whom she modeled good judgment and fair dealing.

Very saddened to learn this news of a former colleague and very special person.

Percy Toop

I worked with Katherine for many years while she was at the Ministry of Citizenship. A wonderful, caring, open,  and funny person, and a model of a public servant who worked so well for and with the people of Ontario and across Canada

I worked with Katherine for over twenty years. She was a mentor in my early years in the OPS, and a trusted colleague throughout our years of friendship.  She was smart, creative, compassionate and, above all, driven to solve problems to make Ontario a better place to live. I will miss her.

Frank Denton, Ministry of Consumer Services

My team and I worked with Katherine last year on the "open for business" initiative which she lead.  She was a wonderful professional who had a great sense of what was in the public interest.  She will be missed within the public service.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Since we knew Katherine on Cockburn Island, we were fortunate to see her on her beloved island where she has 'summered' since birth. She loved everything--Marc-Andre, Simon, and Isabelle, Kingsley, along with the people of Cockburn, the newly acquired camp out in the bush, and the wilderness. She touched everything with grace, humor, and integrity. We will miss her a whole lot! Love, from Ellen, Jack, and Heidi (woof-woof)

Marc Andre,  I am so sorry to learn of your loss.  Everyone at EDC is keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Jane

Marc Andre and family, Andrew, Bronwen and I are so deeply saddened by the loss of Katherine. The last time I saw her was on the porch at Chateau Woodland enjoying one of those lazy, hazy days of summer.  The community as a whole has suffered a huge loss.

Our thoughts are with you.

Fiona, Andrew and Bronwen.

Many years ago I remember meeting Marc- André's new bride, Katherine, at a family party to which Lucie had invited myself and Luis Fernando. She immediately struck me as a special soul, and over the years I remember her as such a kind, thoughtful,and dearly loved member of the Lacombe family. Taken far too soon, I wish you some kind of peace as she lives forever in your hearts. 
My deepest sympathies are with you today, 
Catherine Heslop (Ottawa)

My deepest sympathy to Katherine's husband and children. She was always very proud of you. My prayers are with you. Katherine was a wonderful person. May she rest in peace.

Monique Paquin

As the former Chief of Staff to the Honourable Michael Chan, I had the distinct privilege of working side by side with Katherine at the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration.  There were many times that I relied and counted on Katherine's sage and wise counsel.  Her intelligence, patience and humanity was what stood out most for me when navigating through some difficult issues.

Her passing is a tremendous loss for the Province of Ontario.  Her talent, contributions and humility as a public servant will be greatly missed.

But the even greater loss is for her family for whom I know that she loved most dearly.  My heart goes out to Katherine's family for whom her time has come much too soon.

We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Olga and Geordie Sabbagh

I had the pleasure of meeting Katherine as a new political staffer at Queen's Park.  She was always a pleasure to work with, had immense patience for a junior staffer learning a confusing job and showed kindness in everything.  I'll miss her tremendously and my condolences to her loved ones, friends and family.

I am always running (brain haemorrhage, l974).  Katherine  p i c k e d  me up when I was running across Dundas St., just last year, as I FELL!  We have had a meal from that time, and she is a VERY GOOD LADY.  I have worked with her from 1989 and on at the Ministry of Labour, and she is a GOOD LADY.  I WILL miss her.

We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times.
‘Memories never fade as they live with us forever…
Cherish the memories, with heartfelt sympathy.'

Katherine is a wonderful human being and a humble leader. She was always available and willing to listen to ideas that will make a difference in the life of a skilled immigrant and the community. It was a pleasure knowing her. My god give her family and friends a strength at this difficult time.  Katherine will remain in our memories for ever.

Sathya Gnaniah

"She was a wonderful person. I respected her immensely as we worked together in 2003 when I had the privilege of serving as Ontario's Immigration Minister. Rest in Peace Lovely Lady."
Marie Bountrogianni

I remember Katherine from Hawthorne, where our children went to school. (My son, Aaron, was in the same class as Simon). I always appreciated her sense of humour.  My condolences to Marc-Andre, Simon and Isabelle.

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Katherine Hewson.  I worked with Katherine at the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario in the early 2000's.  I remember her fondly as a thoughtful, kind leader with a lot of humanity and humor.  My deepest sympathies to her family and close friends at this difficult time.

It is impossible to conceive that our friend Katherine has left this world, with so much life yet to live. We have very fond memories of all the special occasions that our two families celebrated together. Katherine was the real deal. Her warmth and kindness, her intelligence and sense of humour will be cherished. Marc-Andre, Simon and Isabelle, we share your sorrow, and offer our sincere condolences. Paul and Anne-Marie

I worked with Katherine while she was at MCI and more recently had the pleasure of working with her at MEDTE in December when I was in Toronto for meetings.  I am saddened.  My condolences to the family! Chantal Ramsay, Ontario Representative, Mexico City.

For the few opportunities I had to interact with Katherine, she was always very thoughtful, helpful and genuine.  Deepest condolences to her family and those close to her at this most difficult time.

May God rest your soul in peace.  You will be missed terribly!

I worked in Communications when Katherine was the Assistant Deputy Minister at the provincial Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. She was always kind and praising of my work and I appreciated that. I was so sorry to hear of her passing and will always remember her.

Dear Marc-Andre,
I was profoundly shaken to read of Katherine's passing.  Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you, Simon and Isabelle.  Katherine was a true friend during out time at Richard de Boo Publishers. I shared with her both anticipation and denuemenet of your African adventure.  I regret the distance that time created.  You are in my thoughts and in my heart.

Katherine was an incredible mentor to our MPA class in 2012.  She took the time to guide us, offering her support and advice as we embarked on our transition into the working world.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time - she was an amazing woman and I feel lucky to have known her at my time at Queen's.

Jean-Pierre, je suis tellement désolée,pour toi et ta famille...Il n,y a pas de mots justes a dire dans de telles circonstances...mon cœur est rempli de compassion,je pense a vous tous et vous souhaite beaucoup de courage...mais je te sais bien soutenu par les tiens.Je t'embrasse.
                                       Ta cousine...christiane Fillion

My heart aches for Katherine's family. I sill can't believe this has happened to such a wonderful human being. I miss you Katherine.
Love, Audrey (OPS)

Marc-André:
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on your great loss. We will always remember Katherine as a fellow parent in the Hawthorne II school community, and from my time working in the OPS at 400 University, where I would see her often.

Ralph Coram and Anita Lerek

Marc-Andre, I cannot and dare not imagine what you are going through - it is the embodiment of my greatest fear.  If there is anything that you need - we are here for you.  I'm sorry that I never met your wife - from what i've read, she was a spectacular person.

Marc-Andre
I have not seen you in a few years but I read of Katherine's passing today.
I want to wish you and your family my deepest sympathy.
Sincerely, 
Susan Waterfield

Marc-Andre, je suis terriblement attristee de la nouvelle. On a perdu contact au cours des annees Mais je garde un Bon souvenir du temps passe a Glendon, particulierement l'annee que j'ai habite aver katherine. Je me souviens de son sens de l'humour et de son intelligence. Bon courage, je pense a vous tous.

Katherine was a wonderful mother, woman and human being. I'm lucky I got to spend time with her before she was taken from us. She and her family took me in when I needed it, I can never repay her and their kindness. Rest in peace Katherine.

Deepest sympathies to Katherine's family. Katherine was a wonderful public servant and lovely person to work with. Words seem very inadequate at a time of such a sad loss. You are all much in our thoughts,

A hard-working public servant. We have so much to learn from Katherine. It was a pleasure to have known her from the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. To her family, my sincere condolences and prayers are with you.
Yolande Le Blanc Receptionist, Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration.

My heart breaks for her family, but at the same time I smile when I think of her kindness and good humour.  She was a great example to us all, and will be deeply missed.

I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to Marc-Andre, Isabelle, and Simon and to the entire extended family. Happy for the times I got to be in Katherine's presence: soft-spoken; keen wit and prodigious intelligence; generous; welcoming; warm with a wonderful hearty laugh. A genuinely lovely lady and she will be missed by all who loved, knew or worked with her.

I feel so incredibly blessed that I was able to work with Katherine. I miss her wisdom, guidance and amazing sense of humour every day. Thank you to the family for sharing her with us. She is dearly missed.

Katherine spread so much love around her and her passing is a huge loss to her OPS family.  I can still feel the warmth of her hug and her comforting words when I saw her for the last time in early January.  My thoughts and prayers are with Katherine's wonderful family as we all come to grips with our pain.  Dorothy Ghosh, OPS

I can't express the shock at hearing of Katherine's passing. She was a surrogate mother to my daughter while Jess attended school in Toronto and the entire family welcomed and cared for her as one of their own. My deepest sympathies to Marc Andre, Isabele, and Simon and of course Kingsley. Many condolences to those who knew and loved Katherine.

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel about Katherine's passing, as she was a mentor and friend. I would like to wish the family peace, which brings comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. With sincere sympathy.

I will always remember Katherine fondly. She was warm, kind and encouraging and never turned down an opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea with me. All my thoughts are with her family.

I can't say how sorry I am to hear the news.  My sincerest condolences.

Toutes mes sympathies ...Bon Courage  Lucie Pilotte Lauzon et Yves xxx

Will miss Katherine's intelligence, warmth and laughter... a great colleague.  Wishing her family comfort and strength from abundant love.

Si jeune... que dire ! Mes sincères condoléances à la famille.
Linda Carroll (amie de Lucie)

Katherine was a wonderful person.  Her warm personality made it a joy to be around her.  She will be greatly missed.  My deepest condolences to the family and close friends.

My deepest sympathy.  Cherish warm memories. 
Karen Chan OPS

Mes plus sincères condoléances!  Que dire d'autre dans de tel moment... Mes pensées vous accompagnes.
Sylvie Demers xx

Katherine was an amazing person. I am honored to have gotten know her last year. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

Our condolences and love to you, Marc-Andre, Simon and Isabelle and all the family. Although life took us in different directions, I will always hold dear our memories from residence at College Glendon. Katherine was a force with which to be reckoned but moreso one of love. I will always celebrate Katherine in my heart. Our deepest sympathies and caring, Angela and Roger

I am so sorry for your loss. Katherine was a very special person and will be missed by all of us in the OPS. My prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

I would like to express my heartfelt and sincere condolences to the family. I was saddened to hear about what Katherine was going through and have prayed for her ever since.  It is so sad that something so terrible could happen to such a lovely woman.  Keep strong and carry on.

Sam Cangialosi
co-worker
Ministry of Citizenship & Immirgation

OBITUARY

Katherine Elizabeth Hewson

1 May, 1958 – 14 February, 2014

Jerrett Funeral Homes - St. Clair Chapel

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