Kate passed away peacefully in her home with her loving partner of 33 years, Ruth and kitty, Reg, beside her. Her passing was painless and without medication. Predeceased by parents Elizabeth Graham (originally from Hazel Grove, Manchester), and John Hull of Hamilton. Kate leaves loving siblings, Rebecca Faber (Brent) of Mass, and Iain Graham of Barrie. Very loved daughter-in-law to Anna Jamieson (predeceased by 8 days) and Ron Olivier. Beloved sister-in-law to Faye & Enzo Ingribelli and much loved nephews, Vincenzo & Nicholas. Sadly missed by Aunt Brenda, Uncle Blake, Aunt Barbara, and Uncle George. Kate will be fondly remembered by cousins Mark, Travis, Keith, John, David, George, Melanie (Dennis), Lesley (Jeff) and Jane. Equally missed by extended family Jan, Edo, Elizabeth, Ingrid (Mitch). Kate was “Auntie” Kate to so many - Nicole, Katie, Hannah, Anna, Sandra, Victoria, Bennett, Brooklyn, Riley, Kaelin, Daniel, and Selina.
Kate retired in October 2022 from a very successful career with the Ministry of the Attorney General as an Assistant Crown Attorney in the Barrie office. Loved and admired by Crowns, Defense Lawyers, Judges, Support Staff, Police and countless other professionals whose lives were touched by her competent, steady, generous, and intelligent approach to all aspects of her career. Kate was a teacher and an example for so many. An avid and prolific reader of history, Kate was thoughtful and eager to teach, to ruminate on life and explore important questions. Her partner, Ruth, was generously exposed to battlefield tours, trenches, Civil War cannons in cornfields, countless museums and fields of war graves. Kate could have taught university history without opening a book, she was that knowledgeable. Those that knew Kate, also knew that she enjoyed hockey--she played women's hockey until her MS diagnosis in 2005, her team winning Silver in Ontario Women's Senior D League. Kate, a lifelong Habs fan, also enjoyed football, soccer, baseball, and curling.
Despite various health challenges over the years, Kate persisted bravely, with a determination infused with her quiet resolve and dry sense of humour. Her office antics were appreciated and brought smiles to many a conversation over beers at The Bull & Barrel Pub. Kate touched lives deeply and we all miss her so very much. For such a quiet spoken person, her voice and thoughts wrapped us all in a conversation of intelligence, caring conviction, and gentle humour.
Ruth and Kate shared 33 years of love, life, travel, art, family, friends, cottage, cryptic crosswords, and always, beloved kitties. So grateful for Kate, for a life so well lived, for every day in her company, in her heart. I celebrate that love.
Kate wanted a celebration of life at the Bull & Barrel Pub which will be held next Spring/Summer once the outdoor patio is open. Donations can be made to Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. https://donate.sunnybrook.ca/gord
Special thanks to Dr. Farhad Pirouzmand, Head Neurosurgeon, James Perry, Neuro-oncologist. Dr. Maher, Neurologist, Winnie Jones, Kathy, Hospice, Victoria, Sandra, and the many PSW's from St. Elizabeth's, Jennifer Sneddon HCC, Nurse Kirstie Nevitt, Bayshore, Dr. H. DeBoer, Sara Desroches, Gilda's Club Stage 4 Support Group.
Pages could be filled thanking all the wonderful and generous friends, co-workers and family who jumped in and continued to help through the past nineteen months. Gratitude, love and so many hugs go out to all of you.
Valerie Burns
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023Kate, was an all knowing goddess and she will be missed by so many people. I was an OPP officer that had the opportunity to work along side her and got to know her. It truly was an experience every time I got to spend time with Kate. She loved her life and she loved people. God bless.
Val Burns
heather balon
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023Kate was a wonderful person. I enjoyed all her little quotes when she was the bail vetter. You could always email her with a police question and always receive an answer to everything you asked for and more. She will always remain in my heart and will be sadly missed.
Victoria morin
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023Rest in Peace Kate! You were such a wonderful person even in the short amount of time I knew you, I knew you must have touched so many.
Ellen Raven
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023So very sorry to Ruth for such an incredible loss. Kate was a truly incredible person in so many ways. Loved her sense of humor and was in awe with her intelligence. She touched so many people’s lives and will be deeply missed by so many. Rest in peace, Kate ❤️
Meagan & Lesley Spurling
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023Dear Ruth, we are so sorry to hear about Kate’s passing.
We couldn’t have asked for better neighbours for those years on Geddes. Steve always enjoyed his chats with Kate, they both loved history.
We were glad to hear she went peacefully at home and we hope this helps bring you some comfort as it did for us when Steve passed.
We will be thinking about you in the days ahead.
Love,
Lesley & Meagan
Joan van Hilten Backhurst
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023I could always count on Kate for support, wisdom, and a dose of sarcastic wit.
My deepest condolences to her family.
Thank you for believing in me Kate!!!
Riali Johannesson
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023Dear Ruth and Family:
Please accept my condolences on your loss. I worked with Kate as a defence lawyer, and it’s hard to think of a more widely-admired Crown. She was just so darned likeable, funny, engaging, and incredibly smart. Thank you for sharing Kate with us for so many years. She will be terribly missed, but always remembered — especially the twinkle in her eye. A true force to be reckoned with, and we are all blessed to have known and worked with Kate.
Regards,
Riali Johannesson
Parry Sound
Marie Abraham
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023Kate was remarkable and unforgettable. She radiated confidence with humility as a Crown, a true minister of justice.
Bob McCutcheon
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023I worked with Kate at the Barrie Court House and was so saddened by her passing. It was far to early for her to arrive in God’s hands. Kate was such a wonderful person and so intelligent and insightful. We had many discussions about the workings of the court system and she always had a smile on her face and wisdom to instill.
I will truly miss her as she was an amazing individual.
Charmaine Nolan
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023I’m so sorry to hear of this wonderful person passing. Kate and I would reminisce of hailing from the same hometown. She acknowledged the work I do as an Indigenous woman and I will forever treasure her loaned books, humour and insight. Thinking of all who loved Kate.
Carol
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023I met Kate for the first time when I worked at the Parry Sound Crown Attorney’s office. Don Upton adored her and was sorry she left to Barrie. I shortly after followed her to the Barrie Crown Attorney’s office and had the pleasure of spending time with Kate in and out of the office. I even enjoyed a few weekends at her cottage that she loved so much. You are truly missed ❤️
Susan DeWolfe
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023You were truly an inspiration. I loved working with you, you always had a little cute remark on hand and were one of the smartest people I have ever met. You treated all fairly, but didn’t take any crap. You didn’t let your diagnosis rule your life.
You will be missed by so many.
Rest in Peace Kate 💐
Shawn Pollock
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023It sounds trite but the it’s true. The world is different without Kate in it. You will be missed deeply. Your kindness will be remembered always. Shawn.
Rick Barry
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023I came to know Kate many years ago while she was working in the Barrie Crowns Office. I will always remember words she spoke to me concerning a case I investigated. I remember every word she said to me. Since that time, I came to know Kate on a more personal level as she was caring for a sick colleague and friend of mine. Kate was always so strong and would not flinch at anything. Until, she made eye contact with me at the funeral. She started to cry uncontrollably and hugged me unlike anything I had ever experienced.; a true heart of gold. A one of a kind lady who always had my respect and admiration. Rest in peace Kate.
Monika Lee
Posted on: Monday, October 30, 2023What a lovely obituary! My sincere condolences to all the family, Ruth, and especially to Becky (whom I used to know). Monika Lee
Phil and Valerie Callus
Posted on: Tuesday, October 31, 2023A life well lived! So sorry to hear about Kate’s passing. Thinking of Ruth and all who loved her!
Jordan Young
Posted on: Tuesday, October 31, 2023Brooklyn, Bennett and I were lucky enough to be loved by Kate. Our friendship began at work and evolved into something so much deeper. She wore many hats in our lives but my favourite was Auntie at the Bull and Barrell. We would gather over apple juice and a plate of fries and she would give my babies all of her attention as they shared the tales of their day. She explained to Ben that we don’t call servers “servants” and I will always laugh when I think back to that day in our little corner of the bar. I chose to attach a picture of them after Ben’s first day of school, he wanted to see her so badly to share his day. We will miss her forever but know she is sitting on the deck at the cottage, reading a good book with the chippies. XO
Lorraine & Richard Brann
Posted on: Tuesday, October 31, 2023Our thoughts & prayers to Ruth & Kate’s family.
God has placed another shining star in the sky.
Karen Burke (Sutin)
Posted on: Tuesday, October 31, 2023I’m so sorry to hear about Katie’s passing. We were in high school together and my fondest memory is of Katie’s sense of humour. My thoughts are with all those who loved her.
Ward Foster
Posted on: Tuesday, October 31, 2023I first met and started working with Kate in Parry Sound, her soft calming voice put everyone at ease, that beautiful quality spilled over to Barrie, when we would start to work together again.
She will be truly missed.
God Bless you Kate and your family and friends.
Josh Fagan
Posted on: Tuesday, October 31, 2023Kate was completely unique–a person you met in an adversarial setting but about whom you never heard a bad word spoken. In eleven years, I’ve never encountered another person like her. Not only did she listen, but she empathized. She always knew the right thing to do and she had the courage to do it. She will be missed.
Joanna Lee
Posted on: Tuesday, October 31, 2023My condolences to Katie’s family and friends. I knew Katie in high school. It sounds like she had a wonderful life and that makes me very happy.
Sharron Allen
Posted on: Wednesday, November 1, 2023I did not spend a lot of time with Kate, but it did not take a lot of time to become aware of her innate openness and attention, a ready kindness, a razor-sharp wit, a sense of humour that was irresistible. Kate’s presence revealed a self awareness and confidence that let her intelligence shine and her heart love – true blessings to so many. I am fortunate to have known Kate.
Dear Ruth, Kate’s family and extended family: your loss is great as is the gift she was and will always be to you all. Sharron
Janet
Posted on: Wednesday, November 1, 2023Kate was a very soft spoken person with such a heart for kindness. So knowledgeable and helpful. Such a loss. My condolences.
Lorraine (Allison) Kenney
Posted on: Tuesday, September 24, 2024I think of Katie every year on her birthday which led me to Google her and I learned of her passing. I went to highschool with Katie and we formed a great comedic partnership. She had the best sense of humour around. Katie was truly the best thing about highschool.
Ruth, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your wonderful obituary tells me that Katie lived the worthwhile and important life that I saw a glimmer of way back when.
Rest in peace Katie. I remember you fondly.