Obituary of Kathleen (Kay) Mary Theresa HAYES (Nee Shatzko)

December 21, 1931 – Ezernica, Poland
February 24, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

In the morning of Wednesday, February 24, 2021, Kathleen Hayes of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully with two of her sons by her side at the age of 89 years.

Kathleen was born Katarzyna Szacko in Ezernecia, Poland on December 21, 1931 to Piotr and Sofia (Nee Kuznicki) Szacko.

The Szacko family migrated to Canada on board the Ausonia via Southampton arriving in Canada on July 25, 1936 and settling first in Wildwood, AB where they stayed with their uncle Nick and aunt Lucy, changing their name to Shatzko. The Shatzko’s then moved and settled in New Westminster.

Kathleen loved summers at the beach in British Columbia and spoke often of carefully curling her hair on Friday nights only to have it completely wind swept at the beach before the Saturday night dance. She’d return the next weekend to the beach all the same, competing with friends for the darkest tan by summer’s end.

As an adult, Kathleen moved back to Alberta this time in Calgary for work. She was a bookkeeper for many years and won praise for her meticulous work. It was in Calgary that she met and married Gordon Hayes, her husband of fifty-nine years, settling in Calgary for the remainder of her life.

Kathleen was a member of the CWL and avid bowler, winning many trophies. She was an incredibly devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed seeing her great-granddaughter, Calla via facetime which gave her great happiness seeing her. She also enjoyed talking with her nephew Allan Morrison of St. Paul, Minnesota, as well as corresponding with Ed Shatzko of Vancouver BC.

The embodiment of generosity and kindness, Kathleen will be deeply missed. She leaves behind her three sons who she loved deeply, David (Leslie), Daniel (Debbie), and Doug; five grandchildren, Janessa Czernick (Jeff), Shavone Bazarkewich (Jason), Keara Hayes (Landon Dick), Peter Hayes, and Jason Hayes; and one great- grandchild, Calla; as well as her sister Natalie Warner (Lloyd) and brother Wally Shatzko (Carol). Kathleen was predeceased by her husband Gordon, her parents, Piotr and Sofia Shatzko and sister Valerie (Bob) Morrison.

A Private Funeral Service will be held on, Friday, March 19, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences, memories and photos can be shared and viewed here.

The family would also like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Age Care Walden for their loving care, and companionship. The staff there are really very special people

In living memory of Kathleen Hayes, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.