Kathy Ann Irene Kaufmann
February 16, 1958 – January 8, 2023
It is with heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Kathy Ann Irene Kaufmann, age 64 of Minnitaki, Ontario, at the Dryden Regional Health Centre January 8, 2023, surrounded by her family.
Kathy first met her beloved husband, Gord, while working as a waitress at The Central Restaurant in Dryden in 1996. It was love at first date and a time of renewal for both of them. Kathy often said that all her years spent with Gord were the happiest of her life and that they had found their true soulmates in each other. Early in their relationship, they went on annual canoe/portaging trips to places like White Otter, Hawkcliff, Teggau, and Buzzard, seeking solitude in the wilderness. Many times, Kathy said those trips were the greatest adventures of her and Gord’s lives, and they became great tales for her to tell. In her later years Kathy enjoyed fishing and boating with Gord, sometimes just making a day trip in the boat with the dogs. Her favorite destination was Net Island Beach on Eagle Lake, a place very near and dear to her heart.
Kathy’s passion for gardening was immense as she took great pride in growing both flowers and veggies. Many days were spent tending and grooming the gardens and she loved every minute of it, sometimes with Gord’s help and sometimes not. Quite often she would take pictures to show off to her co-workers, customers, and friends.
Over the years, Kathy and Gord attended countless concerts together, too many to list, but it’s safe to say that seeing Cher live in concert was one of the greatest highlights of Kathy’s life, a joyful and triumphant time indeed. Another standout concert was when she took her dear Mother, Irene, to see Tom Jones; it was a blissful time for both of them.
Then there was the trip to Newfoundland in 2007 with her mom and Gord, a land like no other for its culture and natural beauty. Kathy often talked of wanting to return there for a longer visit but was never able to as life took its course.
Much later in life, Kathy became a very proud grandma to Korbin, Marissa and Abel, all of whom she loved with all her heart and more! She thoroughly enjoyed all the visits and weekends the grandkids spent with her.
She also had a special place in her heart for her fur babies. Predeceased by her beloved dogs Josie and Jethro, she is survived by her precious dogs Jimi and Molly and her calico cat Neko.
The last 5 years of Kathy’s life were extremely difficult for her as various health problems arose, but they could not break her strong and wonderful spirit. Even when she lost part of her leg a couple years ago and was confined to a wheelchair, she was a real trooper and kept a positive outlook, never complaining. She was a great inspiration to all who knew her.
Kathy is survived by her loving husband Gord, daughter Dawn (Paul), son John, stepdaughter Nicole (Steven), stepson Tyler, grandchildren Korbin, Marissa, and Abel, sisters Sue and Deb (Al), brother Pete (Bev), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by her father George Kerychuk, mother & stepfather Irene and Norm Johnson, brothers Rick, Steve, and George Kerychuk, and father-in-law, Louis Kaufmann.
Thank you to Dr. Bester, nurses, and staff at the DRHC for taking great care of Kathy and her family during this difficult time. Also, a special thank you to Peter and everyone at the Dryden Community Funeral Home for all of their support and help.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date when the flowers are in bloom as Kathy loved her flowers so much.
In the spirit of Kathy’s love for animals and in lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to Second Chance Pet Network, Box 343, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1, or a charity of your choice.
“It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go alone.
Part of me went with you, wherever you may roam.”
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca
Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
