Katherine Anita Lane

It is with deep sadness that we announce our dear Kathy passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at age 69. Kathy was surrounded by love and her adoring family both at the time of her passing and in her brief but fierce battle with pancreatic cancer.

Kathy will be profoundly missed by her devoted and cherished husband, Cliff; her loving daughters, Melissa Reimer (husband Justin) and Ashleigh Lane (husband Rodrigo Fey); her beloved grandchildren, Aiden, Quinn, Hazel, and Henry; her sister, Teresa Collinet (husband Dennis); her niece, Maria Gallardo (husband Francisco), and their children, Luca and Lola; her nephew, Nickolas Collinet (Cam and Ben); as well as countless extended family, friends and community members whose lives she touched so deeply.

Born Katherine Anita Kanelles on July 23, 1956, in Vancouver, Kathy is predeceased by her devoted parents, Jim and Joyce Kanelles. Kathy grew up in Burnaby, where she met the love of her life, Clifford John Lane, when they were just 13. Kathy adored and treasured Cliff, and even when they were apart during his years playing hockey, he was always in her heart, writing him letters and sending him precious treasures. She remained his loyal and steadfast wife, life-partner, lover, and best friend, and they shared 47 remarkable years together, creating a life rich with love, travel, community service, and family. During those early, formative years, Kathy cultivated several deep and meaningful friendships, many of which lasted her entire life. Her captivating beauty, smile, and spirit endeared her to everyone, but it was the special friendships that stood the test of time that Kathy treasured most. 

Kathy’s service to the community began when Melissa and Ashleigh were young, acting as President of the school’s Parent Advisory Council and the SurDel Soccer Club. For 26 years, she coached softball alongside Cliff, shaping not only her daughters’ lives but those of numerous young athletes in the community. Her unwavering dedication, determination, and abundant generosity made her a mother figure to many. In recognition of her commitment to softball, the community, and the North Delta Sunfire Program, Kathy was inducted into both the Delta Fastpitch Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Delta Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. Kathy believed coaching was about more than just softball skills; it was about teaching young people to be exceptional humans. She fostered experiences for her daughters and many other players that inspired pride and a sense of family in all. Kathy played a pivotal role in organizing a trip to Taiwan for the Senior Sunfire Rep A Team to represent Canada at the World Games in 2009, a treasured “once-in-a-lifetime” experience for all of those involved. Kathy remained deeply devoted to sports, rarely missing a game or tournament when her beloved grandchildren played hockey or soccer. She deeply adored her grandchildren and took immense pride in being an important part of their lives. Kathy’s adoration for her grandchildren was both an extension of the deep love she felt for her daughters and a source of pride for the family she created and so passionately held in her heart. 

Kathy was a trained teacher, receiving a Bachelor of Secondary Art Education from the University of British Columbia in 1979,  and enjoyed a long career as a talented graphic designer. Her creativity extended well beyond her profession; she was a passionate artist who found joy in painting and jewelry making. As an active and engaged artist and executive member with the Watershed Artworks Society in Delta, she continually shared her talents with the community and loved working at the shop to maintain a profile for the arts in Delta. For several years, Kathy was instrumental in designing and creating elaborate displays for Watershed Artworks' contribution to Delta’s annual Luminary Festival, and she loved bringing their beautiful displays to life for everyone to enjoy. For her ongoing contributions to her community, Kathy  was presented with the Mayor’s Achievement Award for Outstanding Volunteer in 2023. 

Kathy was a dedicated collector and appreciator of art, especially vintage jewelry, carefully curating a robust collection of beautiful, sparkling Sherman pieces. She delighted in discovering unique pieces and particularly enjoyed finding treasures at a good deal! Kathy was meticulous in documenting and cataloguing her precious items, caring for them as she did everything, with thoughtfulness and perfection. Kathy believed all things should be done the right way - start to finish -  with care and intention. In addition to jewelry, Kathy also had a deep love of glass, assembling a stunning array of perfume bottles and other precious pieces that reflected her appreciation for beauty. Each carefully chosen piece reflected  the sparkling, vibrant energy she brought to every space she entered. Kathy had the opportunity to blow her own glass bowl in Oregon in 2023, a true dream-come-true for a lifelong glass lover. 

Kathy and Cliff were avid travellers who explored the world together, collecting many memories and stories along the way. They travelled to a total of 37 countries including; Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, China, Bali, Hawaii, South America, Greece and several other countries throughout Europe and across the United States. Although they loved international travel, they also relished family trips to Sprout Lake in the early years, to Palm Springs as a couple and with family, and to Green Lake with friends later on. Palm Springs became a home away from home for Kathy and Cliff, where they established friendships and set down roots. Kathy’s service to her community extended to her home in Palm Springs, where she acted as the RCPE Landscape Chair. Kathy gave her desert home the same kind of care and attention she gave all things, her impact on others was so vast it crossed borders. 

Kathy embraced adventure but, even more, loved tradition and the preservation of family heirlooms, stories, pictures, and memories. She instilled a deep sense of the importance of culture, family, celebration, and ceremony. Words cannot begin to describe the impact of losing Kathy. Her love and influence on others were truly immense. She was vibrant, passionate, immeasurably strong, caring, fierce, and by far the smartest person in the room. Often referred to as the gatekeeper of the family, Kathy held our stories, our memories, our traditions, our ancestors and our love in the highest regard and kept it alive in every way she could. She leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and service that will continue to inspire all who knew her. We were all so blessed in life and love to have been touched by Kathy’s loving spirit, and we will miss her tremendously.  

A celebration of life will be held on August 30, 2026, when Kathy’s favourite flower, the dahlia, is in full bloom. As Kathy was loved by many, her celebration will be by invitation only and streamed online. To continue her legacy of impacting others, we ask that you consider making a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation in Kathy’s name. 

Kathy enjoyed music as much as she did fine art. Please enjoy a selection of her favourites using the link below. Kathy loved to sing, so if you know the words, please sing along, think of Kathy and feel her loving spirit surround you. 

For Mom - A Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6zR0Sz2iDiJn672KMZDLGO?si=pl4bEaytTxmeKSiQdlcNTg&nd=1&dlsi=e5fc93857ab749ee

For Mom - An Apple Music Playlist: https://music.apple.com/ca/playlist/for-mom/pl.u-KVXB2aGsRe8JN