Kathleen "Kewpie" Elinor Deall

Passed away on Dec. 31, 2019 at Greater Niagara General in Niagara Falls at the age of 84. Predeceased by her loving husband Robert “Bud” (2010). Sadly missed by her children; Janet (the late Tom), Joanne (Ken). Beloved grandmother to Jared and Aislinn and also missed by her granddogs Zadie, Zelda and Chloe. Loving sister to Allison. Predeceased by her parents Calvin and Kathleen Mills, and her siblings; Helen, Carol and Jeanette.

Mom's childhood in New Brunswick was challenging and difficult. She lost her own mother at the age of two, and this impacted her family and life greatly. With one of her closest friends she left New Brunswick behind to build a new life in Toronto. She met my Dad, ”Bud” and they were married on October 6th, 1956. Two children followed, Janet and Joanne.

Typical for the era, Mom stayed home to raise her kids, but worked part time whenever possible. She loved the interaction with people, and the mental stimulation of work. Mom was a quick thinker, very bright and inquisitive. She always said she was "just curious".

She also did tons of volunteer work throughout her life....through her children's schools, church, or other community groups.

Mom had a huge heart, and was always quick to help whoever was in need. In her fifties, perhaps because of her difficult childhood experiences, she felt called to go back to school and study social work. Through this program she began volunteering at a local hospice...and a new career was born.

When she graduated from Humber College with her Social Work diploma, Mom continued her volunteer work with the hospice, but found her calling in bereavement support. She also became a licensed funeral celebrant, helping people honour and celebrate the lives of their loved ones. She also worked for Turner and Porter funeral homes in Toronto and remained there until retirement.

Mom's brain was always on the go, she was an avid reader on a broad range of topics and loved to learn new things. She was passionate about the arts, especially music, and loved to go to live performances as much as possible.

After Bud's death in 2010, Mom joined Joanne and Ken in their home, and together they went on a new adventure....Leaving Toronto in 2013 for a new life in Niagara on the Lake, operating a Bed and Breakfast. Mom was the chief Baker and got rave reviews from B&B guests, especially for her banana bread. She loved chatting with guests and was always her sweet and helpful self.

She also loved the winter vacations she took with Jo and Ken to Florida and the Dominican Republic. She often talked about how happy she was in warm weather, on the beach.

One of the last things she said was "I want to go back to the beach". I hope she's there now - sitting on the beach, with a good book in her hand. She was so deeply loved by so many, and will be greatly missed.

In keeping with Kathleen’s wishes cremation has taken place and a Celebration of her life will be held in Toronto at a later date. Due to Mom's own childhood, she was a strong supporter of the work of Covenant House in Toronto. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to their valuable work.

Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.hetheringtonanddeans.com