On Wednesday, February 10, 2016, Kathleen (Kay) Sheena Einarson (nee Vanderwal) of Nelson, British Columbia passed away at home at the age of 77 years.
Kathleen was born in Flin Flon, Manitoba, in 1938 to Lenert Vanderwal and Catherine Vanderwal (nee Sailor), a younger sister to Sjaane. Kathleen’s childhood, youth, and adulthood were spent in Flin Flon. Kay attended Hapnot Collegiate, and in 1957 she met Philip Raymond Oliver Einarson while they were both working in the commercial fishing area at Bakers Narrows. They married in 1958. During their years in Flin Flon, Kay worked a wide variety of jobs, including at Friedman’s Confectionary, as a medical receptionist, for Sears Canada, and as a matron for the RCMP. In addition to her exceptional skill at cooking, baking, and crafting, Kay was a self-taught cake decorator, and enormously proud that she worked for more than 15 years in her career as a professional cake decorator.
Together, Phil and Kay raised their four children, Laura, Kerry, Ward and Kevin. Their children were blessed with huge family Christmases, summer camping and fishing trips, visits to relatives across the continent and, above all, a deep sense of family to carry into their own lives.
In 1986, Phil and Kay moved to Nelson, British Columbia, when Phil was transferred there as the new manager for Sears Canada. Kay worked in the community at Feelings with Flowers, Lonnie’s, and The Angel Shop, and also enjoyed hobbies including jigsaw puzzles, game shows, and crafting. After moving to Nelson, Kay became a grandmother, and loved spending time with her grandchildren in Nelson and Winnipeg.
Kay was heartbroken when Phil passed away in 2007 after a battle with cancer, and she later moved to share a home with her son, Kevin, his wife Lillian, and their children. When she became ill, Kay approached the end of life as she did all its other stages: with a steadfast concern for the wellbeing of her family, making contacts and arrangements for them. Her final days were spent at home, surrounded by those she loved.
Kay is sadly missed by her children, Laura (Norbert), Kerry (Gabriele), Ward (Cheryl) and Kevin (Lillian), her six grandchildren, Meagan (Martin), Curtis (Katrina), Kathleen (Jesse), John, Sara, and Samantha, as well as her sister, Sjanne, niece Lorraine and nephew Craig. Kay was predeceased by her husband, Phil, and her parents.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life was held in Nelson on Sunday, February 14. As an expression of sympathy donations in Kathleen’s honour may be made to Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation, 3 View Street, Nelson, BC V1L 2V1.
