Kathleen (Pauls) James

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the tragic and sudden passing of our most beautiful Mother, Grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Kathleen James on Wednesday, June 23rd in Halifax.

EARLY LIFE

Kathleen was born on August 11th, 1940 in Rencontre East, Fortune Bay, Newfoundland to the late Cyril and Marjorie Pauls (Mullins), and to cherished grandparents, Felix and Shenandoah Pauls (Baker) (affectionately known as Mommy Pauls and Daddy Phil). Her grandparents were an integral part of the first 5 years of her life as her father was away at war, and continued to remain close at heart for the rest of their years.

Kathleen moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia in the late 1950’s to begin a new life with her then soon-to-be husband, Leslie James. In her early years in the city, Kathleen enjoyed her work at the Halifax Infirmary and the Moirs Chocolate factory. Her greatest role was being a mother to her five children, Kimberley, Karen, David, Kelly, and Darren (Lee). Kathleen lovingly dressed her children in her favourite fashions, and cooked the tastiest of meals (and baked the school chocolate brownies and pineapple upsidedown cake!). She was always so proud of her children's accomplishments in school and who they became as individuals, and was always so supportive throughout their formative years (and beyond!).

Over the years, life was not always easy for Kathleen as she faced many battles with her mental health. With Dad's support she persevered with dignity and determination. We still don't know how you did it Mom, but you did! God love ya.

Kathleen was a lifetime lovely neighbour, a proud Chebucto Street School mom, and she loved (and missed) her former St. Matthias Church and community. Although she did not attend church later in life, she kept her faith and remained a true Anglican at heart. She accepted all others as they were and appreciated everyone's uniqueness. She was a dear sweet soul with a big heart. She was so generous with her favourite charities as well as with her family, giving wherever needed.

Kathleen had a great sense of humour and was always up for any celebration (birthdays, holidays, graduations, and even Christmas in July), and could always be heard singing to the oldies and tapping her hand on her knee to the beat. Mom was a smart woman and she never missed a trick. She kept current with world news and local affairs. More recently she looked forward to Dr. Strang’s COVID-19 updates and was so excited to have received her second COVID-19 vaccine.

FAVOURITES

Kathleen didn't take anything for granted. She loved her tv shows, local and world news, Live at Five, Jeopardy, and America’s Got Talent. She even often tuned into The Ellen Show to watch Twitch dancing. She LOVED her ice water, Singapore Slings, Kahlua on the rocks, and sharing a cold Keith's. Kathleen was an avid Royal Watcher and a Montreal Canadiens fan at heart. She had a lifetime appreciation for lipstick, painted nails, classic Hollywood, oldies music, expensive perfumes and anything glamorous. Let's not forget about her affinity for shopping and her keen fashion sense that she paired well with her cherished rings from Dad!

She loved her scenic drives with Drew and Kelly (always with a Tim’s Iced Capp in hand) where she admired views of the ocean, lush trees and bright flowers. She especially looked forward to seeing the streets lined with Christmas lights each year. Kathleen appreciated the little moments of kindness throughout the holiday season and looked forward to hosting her family for Christmas Eve celebrations (..we can't begin to imagine the season without you....Oh Holy Night).

Like a true Newfoundlander, she loved her sweets with a good cup of tea, lobster sandwiches and keeping watch over the crows (and even feeding them too!). And although Kathleen left Rencontre East at a young age, she could always have a "good yarn" about "Home" for hours.

She loved her dates with Dad, especially at the Chinatown restaurant and cherished those memories dearly. More recently, Humani-T Cafe and Mary’s Place Cafe II were her favourite spots to have cold pop and a treat. She was such a regular at The Golden Fortune restaurant that they knew her order as soon as we called. She was tickled to know the staff of these establishments often asked about her and passed along their ‘hellos’ and well-wishes. We can't thank you folks enough for making her feel special.

FAMILY

Kathleen is survived by her children Kimberley (Robert) Keohan, St. Albert, AB., Karen, David (Barbara Fougere) and Kelly (Wayne DeCoste), all of Halifax, NS. Her pride and joy, her grandchildren, whom she was incredibly close to; Bridgette (Tyler), Waterloo, ON, Elijah, Drew (Nick), Coren and Mark, all of Halifax, along with fur-grandbabies Marshmallow, Luke, Maya, Flower, Pebbles and Bam-bam.

Kathleen leaves behind her four younger siblings, Cyril/Junior (Hazel) Gander, NL, Arthur (Donna) Corner Brook, NL, Gloria, Dartmouth, NS, Sandra, Halifax, NS, whom all she loved dearly, her brother-in-law Ray (Mabel) James, Belmont, ON, George Tom Hardy, Rencontre East, NL. She also leaves behind her dear Uncle Gerald (Emily deceased) Comeau Clare-Digby, NS, Nina Hillier, Gander, NF and her dear Uncle John (Violet deceased) Pauls, Spaniards Bay, NL.

Kathleen, also leaves behind many treasured nieces and nephews. To them, she was known as Aunt Kay, and was loved and respected dearly by all.

Aside from her parents, Mom was predeceased by the love of her life, our dear father Leslie James (2000), and her much adored son Darren "Lee" (2013), her in-laws Maud (Paul) Zwicker, Ada Hardy, Theresa (Clyde) Caines, Amelia (Millie) James, Albert (Phoebe) James, Geraldine James Tanner, and her very special niece and flower girl, Sharon James.

Lastly, although we wish we were able to honor each member of Kathleen's family and community, we would like to acknowledge that those who were not named were certainly not forgotten.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Children:

Each of Kathleen's children deserve great acknowledgement. They played such an integral role in her life, good health and overall happiness. Words can never sum how she treasured each and every moment with you; the good and the bad, but mostly the good. A heartfelt thank you is owed to each of you for all that you are.

Kimberley, Mom looked forward to your nightly phone calls and parcels home. Having such a routine kept both you and Rob so close. She absolutely loved your visits home and especially treasured her visit out west. She was tickled pink to have been able to stay in a hotel for the first time out in Banff, and we all know she was spoiled sweet while she was there!

David, Mom spoke so highly of you and enjoyed your visits. She loved that you often brought her a hot cup of tea from Tim Hortons (which was always the perfect cup!). After each visit she would talk about how you began that kind gesture when she spent time in the hospital, many years ago. Mom found so much comfort knowing you both treasured that small tradition with such a big impact.

Karen, she always looked forward to her afternoon visits with you. She enjoyed conversing about the news together and you both certainly kept one another current. She would acknowledge your kindness and gentle demeanour to all. Your goodness was never overlooked by Mom.

Kelly, Mom loved how you spent your evenings together, serving up home cooked meals, always made with love (and chicken!). She’d laugh at the way you would dance for her and she never took a drive or visit to your home for granted. She spoke so highly of you to anyone who would listen, often saying she didn't know how you did it all!

Though Darren (Lee) has passed, he was always on her mind. Kathleen would talk of their pizza dinners and frequent visits. He never left her heart, and we know they’re together now with Dad.

Grandchildren:

Bridgette, thank you for keeping Nanny close at heart, even when you were far. She loved your phone calls and video chats, as well as all the pictures you sent. It meant a lot to her to have you keep her up-to-date on your life with ‘your man’, Tyler. Your Nanny loved that you both shared her taste for the most expensive item on the rack, and her affinity for diamonds and gold.

Elijah, Nan admired your strength and endless energy. She took such comfort in knowing that you would do anything for her. Your Nan took so much pride in having you doing odd jobs and yard work. Your big spirit, beautiful smile, and strong hugs were such a comfort to her.

Drew and Nick, you were Nanny's true friends and confidantes. She appreciated your spirit and hanging out with you anytime, anywhere. Your love and respect for her was immeasurable. She was always laughing when the three of you would hang out, and knew no request was off the table.

Coren, Nanny was so appreciative for your kindness and love. She would often comment on how you were so quiet and gentle but also so well spoken and funny. She truly appreciated your sense of style that you both shared. Nanny was your biggest cheerleader. You will always have a bond like no other, and you will forever be her sweet Coren Lee.

Mark, Kathleen thought the world of you and wished you nothing but the best in life.

Thank you to Rob, and Wayne for being so wonderful to Mrs. James, and to Barb for her kindness to her ‘Kate’. She loved and appreciated each of you, and considered you all an important part of her family.

Supports:

Kathleen appreciated all of our friends dearly as well. It warmed her heart dearly to know that so many asked about her daily.

To Kathleen's medical support: Dr. Deborah Parker, Dr. Howard Conter (Roslyn and Cathy included), The Gladstone Blood Clinic team, Forest Hills Pharmacy, Dr. Sumeer Bhalla, Joan, Sheila 1 and 2, Kay, Corinne and the rest of the team for Mom's continued care. Additional thanks to the kind staff from Northwood Homecare. She looked forward to seeing each of you, enjoyed your company and appreciated your help along the way. Especially to Eric, whom she truly missed and wished a happy retirement. Together we all gave her the opportunity to keep her wish to stay in her home, and for that her entire family will be forever grateful.

Lastly our family would like to thank EHS, Halifax Police, QEII Emergency team, Chris the social worker, as well all those beautiful souls at the scene that helped in any way, and to those who left flowers and candles in Kathleen's memory. Mark, your presence and kindness on that difficult day will never be forgotten. We appreciate you all, your efforts and strength that day will never be forgotten.

IN CONCLUSION

Kathleen was humorous, defiant, elegant, beautiful, regal, and fierce. She was matter of fact, and knew the value of a good cry. She was resilient, and a fighter. But most importantly she was loving. Simply the best. We are all so grateful for you always, Mom. Your light and lessons will live on in the community you brought together. We will never forget you. You live on in our hearts, smiles and sweet memories.

Love you forever Mom, Beautiful Mama, Ma, Nanny, Nan, Mrs. James, Kathleen Pauls, Kate, Katie, Queen Kathleen, Our Matriarch.

Rest easy with your Les and your Lee at your side.

God bless you.

We will never forget you.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Funeral arrangements have been made with Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, located at 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 13th from 5-8pm. A celebration of Kathleen’s beautiful life will be Thursday, July 15th at 2pm in the chapel, with a family interment to follow. All are welcome to a reception at Mary’s Place Cafe II (5982 Spring Garden Road, Halifax) following the internment.

All provincial COVID-19 protocols to be followed.

Condolences can be made online at cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com.

Donations in Mom's memory can be made to the CNIB, the Diabetes Society, or Locally to the Abbie Lane Recreation Department to aid in patient socials, or your choice of charity.