Kate Wawrychuk

It is with deep love and profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Kate Wawrychuk (nee Fry) on February 23, 2026, in Abbotsford, BC at the age of 88 years. A woman of remarkable grace and a pillar of strength for her family, Kate’s journey was a beautiful one of kindness, wisdom and unwavering devotion to those she held dear.

In November 2023, Kate lost her beloved Frank, with whom she had shared 66 wonderful years of marriage. Theirs was an enduring love and constant companionship. Together, they shared a spirit of adventure, finding great joy in the simple beauty of the outdoors.

Kate will be forever loved and missed by her four children, Ede (Jim), Will (Shauna), Mike and Dave (Kelly); her eight grandchildren, Natasha (Dave), Mark (Jen), Eric (Brittany), Emma (Liam), Luke, Ellen, Jack (Natalie) and Tom; and her six great-grandchildren, Meghan, Emma, Madison, Braden, Mila and Hudson. She will also be lovingly remembered by her siblings, Mary (Art), Joanne (Paul), Sue, Ede (Wendy), George (Lynda), Ruth (Bob) and Sam (Melanie), and her sisters-in-law, Betty-Lou Fry, Jane Fletcher and Olga Pawluk, as well as a multitude of nieces and nephews. Kate was predeceased by her two brothers, Peter and Tom, her sister, Syd, her two brothers-in-law, Bob Gifford and Ted Pawluk, and her daughter-in-law, Sue Deacon.

Kate was born in Toronto on July 20, 1937, to Mary Kathleen and Richard Archibald Fry. She was the second eldest of 11 children and played an integral part in raising her younger siblings. This support continued throughout her life. At 19 years of age, she married Frank, her soulmate on March 30, 1957, ready for a life of travel and adventure. Throughout Frank’s 34 year military career, Kate remained his steadfast anchor, gracefully navigating the challenges of frequent postings and the sacrifices of service life, to ensure that their family flourished.

In 1956, Kate graduated from Toronto Teacher’s College and taught a Grade Four class for one year before starting her family. She was able to substitute teach in various schools over the course of several postings. From 1954 to 1982, Kate was very active with Girl Guides of Canada, taking on leadership roles and encouraging young girls to explore the outdoors. Much later in life, Kate attended Queen’s University, graduating in 1983 with a Degree in Sociology, an accomplishment of which she was extremely proud. Despite her passion for learning, Kate had been unable to pursue further education due to the demands of raising a young family, and the challenges of relocating frequently.

Kate touched many lives with her wisdom, humour and steadfast spirit of resilience. She was driven by an endless thirst for knowledge. Her life was marked by compassion, strength and deep devotion to her family. Many of her fondest relationships grew during decades of kayaking, hiking, climbing and ski mountaineering adventures. Kate and Frank were active members of the Alpine Club of Canada for over 35 years, beginning in 1970. For many years they served as Hut Custodians in magnificent locations in the Rockies. Starting in 1988, Kate and Frank organized and led group adventures with the Chilliwack Outdoor Club. Kate especially loved sharing her passion for, and knowledge of, alpine and coastal flora and fauna.

Kate also found joy in spending countless hours sewing personalized gifts for her grandchildren. Her generous spirit extended beyond her family, as she lovingly knit many hats for “Operation Christmas Child” over the course of several years. Gardening brought Kate and Frank great joy, especially later in life. They planted and nurtured their magnificent garden for over 30 years.

Kate leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to live in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A “Celebration of Life” for Kate and Frank will be held at the beautiful Fraser River Lodge https://www.fraserriverlodge.com on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made in Kate’s name to Plan International Canada at https://plancanada.ca/en-ca/donate/donate-now, a charity that she and Frank supported for decades.