Saturday, January 18, 2025
Kathleen was my aunt, the youngest of the 4 children of Hilda And Frank Shipley. My mother, Audrey, was the eldest and together, they were the only 2 girls, the middle sons being George and Henry. My mother said her father always liked to call Kathleen his "little kitty". For many years the 9 years age difference between them and then the geographical distance between where they lived as married women prevented them from spending much time together. But devoted and individually fun loving sisters they remained until the end. I will never forget my mother telling me that when Kathleen had flown from BC for a visit with her , they were chatting and laughing so much on the drive home from the airport that my mum ,who was driving ,was pulled over by the police who had received a call about a possible drunk driver because the car was weaving. The policeman saw it was 2 elderly women who were just excited, not drunk, he sent them on their way little suspecting the laughter, chatting and probably weaving resumed once he was out of sight. I will miss our occasional telephone chats, Christmas letters and links to family and our British heritage. I cannot speak for Kathleen , but my impression was that she, like her sister Audrey and brother Henry, became a fiercely proud Canadian once they made Canada home. What a wonderful family she and Alan raised together.
Miss you Auntie Kathleen, love as always, Anita Meinen , Port Dover Ontario
