Obituary of Katherine Kellow

November 23, 1937 - December 11, 2008

In the early hours of December 11th at the Pines Special Care Home in Kimberley, British Columbia, Katherine slipped peacefully away from the grip that MS had on her for nearly fifty years.

Katherine was born in Seattle, Washington and moved to Vancouver where she grew up. Prior to graduating from Lord Byng High School, she was a BC Lions cheerleader. After graduation, she then set off on her journey through life. She moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba where she worked for the Lieutenant Governor. This is where she met Rick. After a brief engagement they were married in June 1959 and had two children.

Katherine's MS was diagnosed in March 1963. The family moved back to Vancouver and finally settled in Comox, British Columbia. This is where the MS took it's toll. Her health steadily worsened from walking with crutches to being confined to a wheelchair, one she would never leave. Her eyesight also declined until she was legally blind. Despite this progression, Katherine was a vibrant person who taught Sunday School and was a mentor to several young adults who dropped by after school for tea and advice. As well, she was a member of the Comox Legion Ladies Auxiliary and a friend to many people. She moved to Kimberley in the early 1990's where she lived with her sister for several years before moving to the Pines in 2006.

She was a cherished resident who always looked on the bright side and had a kind word and willing ear for all who spent time with her.

Katherine is survived by her husband and best friend Rick Kellow of Oliver, British Columbia; daughter Kathyrn (Ken) Kellow-Dakin of Comox, British Columbia; son Michael (Olivia) Kellow of Courtenay, British Columbia. Katherine was also the beloved aunt of Shannon Parnall of Kimberley, British Columbia; Kenneth Warner of Kimberley, British Columbia; Cindy (Bill) Boyd of Surrey, British Columbia; and great aunt to Sarah and Connor Parnall of Kimberley, British Columbia; Liam and Declan Wyatt of Surrey, British Columbia.

She was predeceased by her parents Florence (nee Bache) in 1967 and Dr. Braham Grey Griffith in 1998, and her much missed identical twin sister, Florence Mattern in January in 2008.

As with anyone who has a long-term illness there are so many people to thank - the CNIB, the MS Society, the many hospitals, doctors, nurses and staff. Special thanks go to the homecare workers in both Kimberley and Comox for their selfless, dedicated and caring years of service. The family appreciates the many people who enriched Katherine's life in Kimberley, especially her weekly crib partner Jane; special friends Tammy, Joyce, Gail and Cathy. To the ladies who wrote the letters for our mom, we thank you. The letters always found our homes and filled them with her presence. Her letters will be missed. We would also like to thank the caring staff of the Pines, in particular Judy, Diane, Agnes and Doug who treated her with the respect and went above and beyond to make her life there comfortable; Drs' Simon and Haiduk who treated her with compassion and understanding; Teresa and staff at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital who treated her with dignity, and the Sully for their wonderful steak sandwiches that she looked forward to each week. To all whose lives touched Katherine, we say thank you for giving a part of yourself to her, you were her dearest friends.

Though MS may have stolen her health, it never dampened nor defeated her spirit. Our mother, Katherine Kellow, is now at peace to walk and run with those who have gone before her.

There will be a Memorial Tea at the Kimberley United Church on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm where we invite you to join us in sharing special memories of this wonderful lady.

A private family Interment will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to your charity of choice.

"Do not mourn for me I am not really gone,

I live on in your memories.

In my red dress and dancing shoes

I am waiting in a better place

To share a dance with you."

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.Condolences for the family can be offered at:www.mcphersonfh.com