Helen Kathleen Gauthier

1928 – 2025

Kay was a miracle baby; the daughter of Edwin Lindsay Gray (1887-1968) and Lillian Maude Hyatt (1887 – 1950), she was born in 1928 at her parents’ farmhouse near Dresden, Ontario, Kay arrived before the doctor and weighed under three pounds. Her mother was afraid she wouldn’t survive. But Kay’s aunt said: “Don’t you worry, Lily. This one will survive and be the strongest of them all!” And indeed, Kay survived into her 98th year, witnessing all the highs and lows of almost a century of history.

Life was challenging for Kay and her family on their farm, especially through the years of the Great Depression. But even when times were lean, there was love, laughter and music in their home. Everyone chipped in and through their hard work the family managed to support themselves; and that farm is still owned by the Gray family today.

In both elementary and high school, Kay’s favourite subject was Geography. She loved when the teacher would pull down the maps. Kay saw that there was a whole wonderful world to explore and she planned to see some of it.

After high school, Kay attended business college. Typing and shorthand were compulsory for women, but Kay’s real passion was for the bookkeeping and accounting courses. She worked for Dinsmore Construction, doing their payroll and accounts payable & receivable.

In 1951, Kay joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and met her future husband, John, while they were both in Basic Training at St. Jean, Quebec. After John was transferred, he wrote Kay a letter every day. They were married in Edmonton in 1953, where their first two children were born. They were stationed in Germany from 1955-1959, where their third child was born. During their four years in Europe, Kay achieved her dream of travelling; they had many wonderful adventures in France, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Austria and the British Isles. They returned to Ottawa, where their fourth child was born. Their next posting was La Macaza, Quebec, where in 1963, Kay joined the CWL (Catholic Women’s League). During this time, the CWL National Military Vicariate was formed; Kay was a founding member and worked tirelessly as their first Secretary. Kay continued to be a proud member of the CWL for 62 years.

Their next posting was to St. Hubert (Montreal). Kay worked in the payroll office for Simpsons, in downtown Montreal, and fell in love with the beautiful city. She often remarked that she was always a city girl at heart. Their next posting was Borden, Ontario, closer to family in Toronto and Southwestern Ontario. Kay worked in the Accounts section on the base. Their last posting was back at CFB Rockcliffe (Ottawa) and Kay worked in the pensions section at the RCMP headquarters. Kay loved being in Ottawa and she and John stayed there after retiring, until their move to Peterborough in 2005.

They enjoyed many trips to Florida and other destinations in the US and Canada.

Kay was an avid gardener, loved a game of euchre and crossword puzzles, enjoyed reading and discussing current world events.

After nearly 60 years of marriage, John predeceased Kay in 2012. Kay was also predeceased by her son, Michael, in 2024, her son-in-law, Duncan, in 2019, and by all of her siblings, and their spouses.

She will be dearly missed by her daughters, Catherine, Jane and Mary Ann, and her daughter-in-law, Jane; by her grandchildren, Bonnie (Tim), Steven, Brian (Vanessa) and Denise (Liam), by many beloved great grandchildren, cherished nieces and nephews and her dear friend Kata.

Kay died peacefully, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Canterbury Gardens, with family by her side. A special thank you to everyone at Canterbury Gardens for the wonderful care and warmth that our Mom received, and to Eunice for the special friendship that Kay treasured.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Canterbury Gardens, 1414 Sherbrooke St. W, on Saturday 2 August, from 2 - 4 PM, with eulogies starting at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation, your local public library, or a charity of your choice. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.ComstockKaye.com