Kathleen Ethel Sapper

“Angels in human form often have a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make the world a better place. They are driven by a need to help others, and their actions are guided by this sense of purpose”. It is with great sadness and heartache that we announce the passing our very own angel, Kathleen ‘Kaye’ Sapper. Kaye was the eldest of four girls and was born on September 19, 1932, to Carl and Wealthie (Campbell) Watkins of Culloden, Digby County.

Kaye lived a worldly and vibrant life. She moved to Toronto at a young age, where she practiced as a dental hygienist and later met the love of her life and future husband, Walter. Kaye and Walter spent many years living in Ottawa and later travelled throughout Europe and eventually settled in Germany. Although Kaye enjoyed the opportunity to travel and be immersed in several cultures, she missed being in Nova Scotia with her family and in 1994, Kaye and Walter returned to Digby to retire.

Kaye had an overwhelming desire to help others and she fulfilled this desire through various volunteering efforts such as teaching English as a second language while living in Germany, volunteering in Palliative Care and at Tideview Terrace, and teaching Catechism to children at her local church just to name a few. Kaye’s involvement in her community welcomed several long-lasting friendships, some of which lasted up until her passing. Kaye will be remembered as someone who radiated light, love, comfort and calmness among everyone she encountered. Kaye’s deep devotion and loyal love for God was evident in everything that she did, especially with her long-time involvement and commitment to her church and with her church community.

Kaye was her happiest when she was surrounded by people, especially while enjoying a hot cup of tea with a sweet (usually prepared by her sister, Karen), and engaging in good conversation. Kaye genuinely cared about how you were doing and would often offer words of advice and encouragement when needed which usually made you feel much better when you left her presence. She had a contagious laugh and a witty sense of humor; she really was a lot of fun to be around. Kaye was a lifelong learner and an avid reader. She enjoyed crosswords from the weekly paper and faithfully added daily entries to her journal, often depicting the events of the day and listing the names of the angels in her life that she was so very thankful for. In her journal, Kaye documented ways in which she wanted to be remembered when she passed. “Remember me for my love of life and for people, my infectious smile, my warm and kind nature and my hugs that made others feel a sense of love and belonging”. Kaye loved everyone and would never exclude anyone or have them feel less than. She truly was a special human being and shared her love openly with everyone.

Kaye loved Christmas and looked forward to sharing her German traditions and special decorations with her family. Kaye’s excitement for Christmas continued up until a few weeks ago when she happily decorated her Christmas tree at her new home, Tideview Terrace. Although Kaye desperately missed her home and her cats, she embraced this

new chapter of life at Tideview Terrace with positivity and optimism, while also putting her faith and life in God’s hands. Kaye would often express her gratitude and sincere appreciation for those who supported her, especially her sister, Karen, and her brother-in-law Ron, who both dedicated their time and love in making sure Kaye was able to remain in her home for as long as she could. Kaye was thankful for life’s gifts and would often say that she had lived a good life with no regrets.

Kaye is survived by her sister, Helena Watkins (Digby), her sister, Karen (Ronald) Hutchins (Digby). Nieces, Kim (Leigh) Court (Trenton, Ontario), Amy (Craig) Theriault (Waterford). Nephews, Kevin Norebye (Trenton, Ontario), Jason (Nancy) Raymond (Digby), Matthew (Tracy) Raymond (Centerville), special great nieces, Hannah Theriault and Alliyah Raymond, great nephews, Haydon Raymond and Griffin Theriault, who Kaye absolutely adored. Kaye was predeceased by her parents Wealthie and Carl Watkins, her dear sister, Vera Norebye and her husband, Walter Sapper.

A Celebration of Kaye’s life will be held at 1pm on December 18, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Digby and Father Keith Billard will preside. A private family interment will proceed the service at the Woodlawn Cemetery, with a reception to follow at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Hall. Kaye had a profound love for cats and would often take in strays and feed random cats that would come to her door. It is without hesitation that we choose Friends of Feral for donations to be made in Kaye’s memory. Thank you to Kaye’s dear friends, especially Pat Levings and Carolyn McClafferty who she spoke so fondly of. A very special thank you to the staff at TVT: Conway House for making her short stay memorable and embracing her with open arms. To the activities staff for keeping her spirit alive through the many activities she took part in. To Dr. Black, thank you for always taking the time to listen and respond with good, quality end of life care. Kaye will be missed and remembered for the love and support that she gave so freely and sincerely to family and friends, and to her church. Our hearts are heavy, and we will miss our beautiful Oma terribly.