Obituary of Kathleen Ellen Haskell

May 7, 1947 - Halifax, Nova Scotia
November 17, 2020 - Calgary, Alberta

Kathleen Haskell, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at the age of 73 years.

Kathy was born in Halifax, NS on May 7, 1947. She lived in Lower Sackville for several years, starting her family there before they moved out to Calgary in 1980. Kathy worked in the oil and gas industry, including positions at Fracmaster, BJ Services and Baker Hughes. She liked her work but loved her coworkers and retired with dozens of friends she continued to see regularly. In her retirement, she was active with the Senior’s Club, kept a long-running lunch club with friends, and taught Mah-jong. 

Kathy had a quick mind and was a fan of challenging puzzles and games. She always ruined mystery movies by solving them well before the end and being too excited not to share the solution. She was independent and determined. Over the years she adapted to the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis, finding new hobbies she loved when she could no longer pursue some of the old ones. She found ways to live independently and resisted letting anyone do things for her.

Kathy was boisterous and outgoing, friendly and funny. She saw everyone she met as a potential friend and they often were by the end of the conversation. So many people relied on her humour, advice, and willingness to listen. Above all, Kathy loved her family and was especially proud of her son Shawn, and her grandson Leif. There is a big space in the lives of her friends and family now, and we will miss her so much.

Kathy is survived by her son Shawn Haskell, daughter-in-law Pamela, and grandson Leif; sister Joan, brother-in-law Charles, nieces, Quincy, Holly, and Charlene; nephew Adam and their children; as well as many long-time friends across Canada. Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Elizabeth Murphy; sister Marlene Voeltz and brother Michael Murphy. 

Kathy did not wish to have a service. There will be a celebration of her life held in the spring of 2021, once we can all gather safely. Even if we can’t be together, we can all honour Kathy’s memory today by reaching out to a friend. Call them up and talk for hours!

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Kathy’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

What will I do when you are gone?
Who's gonna tell me the truth?
Who's gonna finish the stories I start,
The way you always do?

When somebody knocks at the door,
Someone new walks in
I will smile and shake their hands,
But you can't make old friends

-Kenny Rogers

In living memory of Kathy, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.