Mrs. Kathleen "Kay" Irene (Jordan) Thompson

If anyone ever showed love and devotion to her family, it would have to be Mrs. Kathleen Irene Thompson. She was a warm hearted and caring individual, and these wonderful traits were shared with everyone in her family and in her community. She was a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her were included and had whatever they needed. Kay loved to talk with friends, and offered support and encouragement to her family and friends.

Kay was born in Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England on May 23, 1931. She was the daughter of Frederick Jordan and Hilda York. Kay was raised in Bristol, England and loved that city and the surrounding countryside. During her childhood, she was reliable and respectful to her parents. Kay was an obedient child who loved spending time with her family. She found it easy to show concern and be kind to others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Kay's personality throughout her life as she made friends in various communities and churches. Kay learned a lot of skills from her mother, and always spoke about how her mother was a “real lady”. Kay valued good manners, kindness and hard work, and these lessons she learned from her parents and in her role as “big sister”.

Kay was raised with two siblings, an older brother, John, and a younger sister, Margaret. Kay and her siblings got along very well, and they cared deeply for one another. Kay loved spending time with her brother and sister and was very proud of them. They shared some interests together, and got along well throughout their lives.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Kay was always enthusiastic about new adventures and travels. As a young girl, Kay had a number of interests and was an active child. Kay took part in track and field, particularly the high jump. She was a Girl Guide, achieving the Queen's Guide Award. Kay embraced the values and goals of the Girl Guides. She lived by their motto: “I promise that I will do my best, to be true to myself and develop my beliefs, to serve the Queen and my community, to help other people and to keep the Guide law.” A Guide was expected to be “trustworthy, loyal, useful and helpful to others, a friend, courteous, obedient to orders, thrifty, pure in thought, word and deed, and to smile and sing under all difficulties.” Kay tried to live up to those expectations and demonstrated resolve, good humour and perseverance in many situations. She was also very active in the church, particularly the youth group and worship. In her spare time she liked to cook, and to sew or knit. She developed tremendous skill in sewing and knitting, and learned to quilt when she came to Canada. Kay's memorable achievements included earning an apprenticeship to a tailoring shop at the age of 14, when she left school. She developed a fine eye for style and detail, and was known for her skill in making men’s suits and wedding gowns.

Kay enjoyed school, particularly the social aspect of being with friends. She had some favourite teachers, and enjoyed her classes in mathematics and geography. She was a good student, committed to learning and completing projects. Kay also had a good memory and was attentive to details. She picked up new skills quickly and wasn’t afraid to try new things.

Kay invited many people into her home over the years. She was gifted at creating a welcoming home and was a wonderful host. She could pretty much talk to anybody and make them feel welcome. Kay was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Kay was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Kay was very accepting of and encouraging to others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Kay was often the person who would organize events and promote fellowship. When Kay made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were in the Girl Guides or church youth group. She was good friends with her sisters and brothers-in-law, and often shared vacations with these family members. Later in life, she became friends with Joyce Blaber, Lucy Gorr, Mieke Delange, Elvi Bronson, and Mae Collins.

Kay was a faithful and loving person. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth and beauty to those around her. She was fun, loyal and determined, and embraced the opportunities that came her way. Kay met a young man at her local church and on May 24, 1952, she married James Henry Thompson at St. Stephen's Anglican Church of Bristol, England. Compassionate and devoted, Kay committed herself to Jim and their life together. Jim had travelled during World War II, and upon his return to England, he found it difficult to settle and find good opportunities for employment. Jim decided he wanted to emigrate to Canada, and Kay, devoted to her husband, made the journey far from her beloved family. The move to a new country was challenging, but Kay met the challenge like the Girl Guide she was, with determination, good humour, and hard work. Originally living in Toronto, Kay and Jim both found work. Jim decided after a short time in Canada, that he felt a call to ministry, and he joined the Church Army. This required him to live “in residence”, leaving Kay to be the primary breadwinner, living alone. Once again, she did her best, loyal to her husband’s call, and smiling through tough times. As a Church Army officer, Jim was assigned to a very remote part of British Columbia: Kay made a home in a very modest residence with few amenities. She made the best of the situation, investing in friendships and fellowship, and using her practical skills to build a life. Eventually, Jim would be assigned to two other parishes in the province of Ontario, and Kay would again adapt, make a home for her family, and support her husband in his work.

Harmony was important to Kay and she made every effort to create a safe and happy home for her family. Kay and Jim were blessed with two children, one son, Peter John and one daughter, Nicola Mary. Kay loved being a mother: she adored her children and spending time with them. She was their number one protector, champion and cheerleader. Time with family was always her first priority, and she carried this forward as a grandmother. Kay and Jim were also blessed with seven grandchildren, Evan, Brendan, Liam, Christopher, Graeme, Josh and Joel. Being a grandmother was an absolute joy to Kay. She loved babies and always had time for a cuddle and a chat with the little ones. She also attended many sports games, plays, school events and any special events for her grandchildren. She was so proud of them and offered support and encouragement. She demonstrated patience and understanding, always willing to listen to her family’s concerns and do her best to be helpful. Kay was so pleased to have become a great grandmother to Blake and Avery Kay, her only regret being that distance and the COVID pandemic preventing her from meeting these new family members in person.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Kay, and she expected the same from those around her. Kay was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Kay was a steady worker, one who gave her best effort in every situation. Her primary occupation was a seamstress and artisan. When she first came to Canada, she was employed at Eaton's in Toronto. Over the years, she created special clothing items for her family and for fashion shows, and also was a substitute teacher at Centre Hastings Secondary School. She brought harmony and good humour to her work environment, getting her work done and getting along with her colleagues. Her sewing and knitting projects were exceptional: her stitches were so fine and precise, and she developed her skill in needlepoint also, creating beautiful kneelers for the church of St. Peter’s in Collins Bay. Family members enjoyed sweaters and other clothing items designed especially for them.

Kay enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following intricate patterns and instructions on a given project and was proud of the items she created for family and friends. Her favorite pursuits were sewing, quilting, and knitting. She rarely just sat without knitting needles or a sewing project in her hands, and always liked to have a project on the go. She also enjoyed attending the Bible study group, Anglican Church Women meetings, and being a choir member.

Kay was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. As a young person, Kay participated in track and field, particularly the high jump. She also enjoyed cycling and camping and all the excursions with the Girl Guides. Although not a big sports fan, she was very good natured about her family watching sports, like hockey and football, and attending many different games to watch her children and grandchildren participate. She enjoyed gardening with Jim, and walking down to the lake or over to the park with her grandchildren.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Kay to become actively involved in her church’s outreach projects. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Kay did not hesitate to lead activities and volunteer her time and efforts. This was particularly evident in her work with the ACW (Anglican Church Women). She participated in parish meetings and activities, the diocesan executive and was the Supply Cupboard chairperson for 40 years, helping children and families in need. Kay thrived in the fellowship of the Girl Guides, youth group, ACW, Bible study group and church choir. She was truly a “sister servant” to her fellow members, sharing in their sadness and joys in life.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Kay well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of the Anglican church, first in Bristol then in various parishes in Canada, including Holy Trinity, Plevna, St. John's Madoc and St. Peter's Collins Bay. During that time, she was very active in Anglican Church Women, Junior Auxiliary, Bible study group, quilting group, choir and also served on the Executive of the Diocesan ACW, as President and longstanding member. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

A generous and compassionate woman, Kay accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Kay was recognized for her hard work and dedication. She was proud of an award from the Anglican Church Women for her 40 years of service. She served as the Supply Cupboard Chairperson, dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families by fundraising and providing supplies and clothing for those in need. The award states:” For your caring and giving nature; your thoughtfulness of others; your guidance and patience and understanding; for the many hours you have given so generously without thought or recompense; for assisting the Diocesan Executive with decisions; most of all for being “you” and working unselfishly to make His light shine in this corner of His kingdom”.

Kay enjoyed traveling and visiting new places. Favorite vacations included trips to England to see family; trips to Florida in the winter months; a trip to Switzerland as a Girl Guide; summer vacations at the cottage on Sand Lake, Plevna. Kay and Jim were conscientious in maintaining their connections with family, and visited Bristol regularly to spend time with family. Vacations to Cornwall and Scotland were some of the special times shared with family members.

Kay was a mother to her family’s pets and a caregiver to all in her household. One of her favorite pets was Pumpkin, a kitten her daughter Nicola brought home. She also had a cat named Molly who "came" with the rectory in Madoc that she moved into with her family.

Kay and Jim enjoyed their years of retirement together, beginning in 1991. They loved their home in Amherstview, with its view of Lake Ontario and their garden. They travelled for vacations, and regularly visited with their children and grandchildren. Kay continued to be involved in church activities and spending time with friends. They had a little trailer at Desert Lake, Verona, and enjoyed heading out to the trailer for some relaxation. Retirement was an active and fulfilling time to spend in activities and with the people they loved. Kay was heartbroken when Jim died in 2007. Shortly thereafter, she suffered a stroke which left her debilitated and requiring long term care. Again, she attempted to make the best of it, offering friendship and support to other residents, encouraging the staff and trying to be a support to her family. Kay was always clear about her faith, and frequently offered the staff at the nursing home the opportunity to pray with her. She was aware of their personal concerns and tried to be a witness to her faith. Many staff have spoken of her compassionate nature and commented on the ways she tried to be helpful.

Kay passed away on March 25, 2022 at Extendicare, Mapleview, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. She had become more frail in recent months, and could not fight a COVID infection. She is survived by her daughter, Nicola and her husband Jim and their children Evan (Paige), Brendan, Liam and Christopher (Amanda); her grandsons Graeme (Lauren and Avery Kay), Josh (Keely) and Joel (Kait and Blake), and her daughter-in-law, Margo. A graveside service was held at St. John's Anglican Church Cemetery, Bath, Ontario. Kay was laid to rest at the cemetery of St. John's Anglican Church, Bath, Ontario.

Kay was the heart of the Thompson family, leading her loved ones in faith and dedication. She exemplified the qualities of hard work, loyalty, perseverance and commitment. Her family and her church were the focus of her time and energy, and even with poor health, she attempted to do her best, help others and persevere through difficulties. Her kindness and generosity will be remembered by many as we recollect her inspiring impact on our lives.

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THOMPSON, Kathleen “Kay” – May 23, 1931 – March 25, 2022

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Kay at the age of 90. Daughter to the late Frederick and Hilda Jordan of Bristol, England. Sister to the late John (late Betty) and Margaret (late Ted). Kay was predeceased by her beloved husband of 55 years, James Henry (The Reverend Canon). Devoted mother of the late Peter (Margo) and Nicola (James). Proud Grandma of Evan (Paige), Brendan, Liam, Christopher (Amanda), Graeme (Lauren), Josh (Keely) and Joel (Kait). Great grandmother to Blake and Avery Kay. She will be greatly missed by her nieces, nephews, other family, and many friends.

Kay’s life was devoted to her church and family. She used her considerable skills as a seamstress/artisan to create items of beauty for family members and the church. Devoted to her husband, she came to Canada as a young bride, with courage and faith, sharing in his ministry in numerous communities in B.C. and Ontario. Kay had a special way of making anywhere feel like home for her family, extending hospitality and opening her heart and home to many along the way. She dedicated many hours to the work of the Girl Guides (in England), the A.C.W (Anglican Church Women), Bible studies, choir, and all the outreach of the church. She truly was a sister servant to her church family, living her faith with kindness and generosity.

A devoted supporter of her children and grandchildren, Kay was always willing to listen, offer prayers and guidance, and attend countless games, plays, and other activities. Despite health challenges and residence in longterm care for nearly 15 years, Kay remained the cherished heart of the Thompson family, and will be forever beloved by family and friends.

A sincere thank you to the staff of Mapleview, especially the Tunnel Lake unit, for their care and support. All of your acts of kindness and compassion were much appreciated.

Due to extenuating circumstances, service details will be announced at a later time.

Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington E., 705-759-2522). Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family.