Obituary of Kathleen Mary Koopman

It is with great sadness the family of Kathleen (Kathy) Mary Koopman announces her passing on February 2, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. As per her wishes, she was surrounded by loved ones in her family home of almost 45 years. 

 

Predeceased by her husband Russell Alfred Koopman and her brother John (Jack) Scott. Survived by her sister Margaret Lyon (Dale), children Steven (Katie), Karen (Tim), and Scott (Danielle), grandchildren Abigail, Natalie, Claire, Russell, Callum, and Emmeline, sister-in-law Yvonne, and nieces and nephews Troy, Kim, Nadine, Savona, and Josh. 

 

Born in Vancouver, after marrying Russ, a sergeant in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Kathy soon moved to Cold Lake, Alberta and then to Kingston. Never seeking to be the centre of attention, but always in the middle of a family gathering, Kathy welcomed many people into her circle. A pillar in the Kingston East (former Pittsburgh Township) community, serving on parent councils and committees, she will best be remembered for providing childcare services for numerous families over the decades, maintaining beloved relationships with the children and parents as they continued to grow. Her generous and selfless nature had a profound effect on all who knew her. 

 

Kathy enjoyed good wine, theatre dates with her close girlfriends, jam making, and rewarded herself with trips abroad with family. Having lived in Kingston East for almost 50 years, Kathy often joked that she wanted to survive long enough to see the Third Crossing built, and enjoyed the moment when she was able to cross it. 

 

We want to thank the palliative care team, personal support workers and nurses from Saint Elizabeth Health Care for the compassion and care shown to Kathy (special acknowledgement to nurse McKayla Dafoe). 

 

In keeping with Kathy’s wishes, cremation has taken place, with a private interment service at a later date. Friends are invited to gather at a Celebration of Life for Kathy at Bayridge Alliance Church, 825 Gardiners Rd, Kingston, on Saturday, February 18 at 1:00 p.m., with a reception to follow in the church’s Fellowship Hall from 2:00-4:00 p.m. 

 

In honour of Kathy memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Kingston Humane Society would be appreciated by the family.