Kathleen Whiston

Kathleen Whiston (Mullan), 92, Halifax, died after a brief illness in QEII on October 20. She was born in Scotland, between the feast of St. Patrick and that of St. Joseph, the only child of the late James and Susan (Hand) Mullan. Kathleen was predeceased by her husband Geoffrey Whiston in 1992. She is survived by sister-in-law and friend, Dorothy Fletcher, Surrey England, as well as great and grand nieces and nephews in the UK. She is also survived by the children of her late older cousin Jimmy Hand in Edinburgh, Maureen, Fr Gerard, James and Peter. Kathleen’s interest in her family and their lives was never hindered by distance. There were regular telephone calls, letters and until very recently there were annual trips to the UK . She so enjoyed showing and explaining the most recent photos and stories of the distant folks to her Canadian friends. She will also be missed by close friends: Lystra and Chandra (Slim) Gosine and their family, Claudette Sapp, Carol von Syberg, Sally and Morris Lloyd.

Kathleen was educated by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart in Aberdeen. She then attended the Edinburgh College of Domestic Science, after which she taught for some years in St. Thomas High School, Edinburgh. During her time at college she met medical student, Geoff. During WW II, Geoff was a Royal Air Force pilot. They married after he left the service and finished his studies. In the mid 1950s, they emigrated to Canada where Geoff joined the RCAF as a medical doctor.

. They played a full part in the social lives of the military postings throughout Canada and in Germany. The vivacious Kathleen made many life-long friends during these postings. With little stimulus she could always recall treasured memories of the families whose lives they had shared. In the early 1970s they arrived in Halifax/Dartmouth and assumed civilian life. Her enjoyment of life and new friends continued as they settled in one place.

Kathleen was a petite, pretty bundle of strawberry blonde energy with sparkling eyes and a love of people which was infectious. She loved gatherings and was a wonderful dancer. Kathleen never hesitated to speak her mind but her mind was always open to new experiences. Even in extreme old age, her daily itinerary was impressive. Friendship was of the ultimate value to her. She had many friends of all ages and loved them with a generosity of spirit which was delightful.

Her love of life was constantly demonstrated. She always had fresh flowers in her home and she could grow anything. Animals always approached her as a friend and, yes, she once had a pet skunk. She loved to dance everything from the grand waltz to Scottish country dance.. Travel became less after Geoff died, but St Kitts was always a special warm memory. She was adventurous in her enjoyment of preparing and eating good food. She was bold in her reading of good books and enjoyment of theatre. She maintained theatre subscription until her 90s; her reviews of the shows were to the point and usually wise.

She loved people. She always had a helping hand, a well chosen card or note, a thoughtful gift or a bit of advice, whether or not it was followed. Kathleen always spoke her mind to the delight or annoyance of her many friends.

In her later years when entertaining was difficult she was often seen at the Bistro restaurant, chatting away with yet another friend. Liz and her staff were part of her social and physical world. She enjoyed the folks at Touch of Gold where her Scottish frugality was occasionally sacrificed –it was always a bargain! Her tours of Spring Garden Road were only limited by her need for a walker.

With a generous heart and a curious spirit, Kathleen never stopped learning and enjoying life. It is a comfort to us all that she faced death unafraid, as another stage of life. She smiled at the sound of a familiar loved voice to the very end.

We wish to thank the nursing and medical staff of Lane 9, QE II for their kind and understanding care. There will be no visitation. Funeral mass will be held at Canadian Martyrs on Inglis St. at 10:00 am on Monday October 28, 2013. Cremation arrangements are by Snow’s. If you wish to make a charitable donation in Kathleen’s name, please consider the St Vincent de Paul Society or a charity of your choice.