Obituary of Kirsty Caireen Welsh

December 5, 1969 – Calgary, Alberta
August 29, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta
 

It is with profound grief and sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Kirsty Caireen Welsh on August 29, 2021, at the age of 51 years.

Kirsty was born in Calgary, Alberta, to Alexander and Kay Welsh.  She was the most precious little sister of Shona.  She completed our little family of four in the most delightful way.  She was a sweet and happy little girl who loved to laugh, adored her family, loved animals and chocolate.  She had monthly tea parties with her teddy bears. When Kirsty was ten, she provided her Dad with her “Kids Lists of Rights”.  He found this to be absolutely delightful and when Kirsty had her daughter, Cassie, her Dad gave back to her, just in case she needed it.  When Kirsty was 16, she met her lifelong friend, Dionne Richards.  Dionne quickly recognized Kirsty’s love of chocolate and like any best friend, supplied Kirsty with a Mars Bar every day all throughout high school.

In 1990, Kirsty met the absolute love of her life, when her daughter, Cassandra Laureen was born.  They were so much closer than most mothers and daughters.  They were not only mother and daughter, but truly best friends.  They even worked for the same company on the same team.  There was so much love between them, it was truly a pleasure for us all to witness.  

Kirsty originally met her husband Rick shortly after high school through some other friends.  However, they didn’t reconnect until eight years ago.  Kirsty finally found the love she dreamed of and deserved.  Once Rick was given the Cassie “Seal of Approval” (which is nearly impossible to obtain) we were delighted to welcome Rick into our little family.

These past years have been the happiest of Kirsty’s life.  The joy of having four (yes, four) French bulldogs (Fred, Izzie, Bart & Rika), the delight of working every day with Cassie and passing on her love of insurance and risk management (yes, love of insurance) to Cassie made her so proud.  They also spent every weekend together just hanging out and that was the absolute icing on the cake for Kirsty.  The enjoyment of her happy marriage with Rick and time spent with Shona going for weekend adventures, seeing their Dad and generally just enjoying being together and laughing. We will really miss Kirsty’s laugh.

Kirsty was predeceased by her mom Kathleen Welsh, her grandparents, Alexander and Jintie Welsh, and Merritt and Elva Wilkins; as well as her Uncle Bob Wilkins, and Aunt Lorna.

Left to mourn this incredible loss are her dad Alexander Welsh, her sister and brother-in-law, Shona and Bill Tischner; her most beloved daughter Cassie Balajti, her devoted husband Rick, her best friends, Dionne Richards and Ren Knittle; her mother-in-law Judy Schmaltz (Michael) and Tyler Schmaltz, as well as many cousins, and so, so many friends and people’s lives she touched.

Kirsty was an organ donor and thanks to her most precious gift, on August 30th, she saved the lives of five other people.  We are so proud of her.  Kirsty wouldn’t have it any other way.

A Private Celebration of Life will be held for family and close friends. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here. 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Kirsty’s name to the Alberta Bulldog Rescue www.albertabulldogrescue.com.  

Please take a moment to celebrate Kirsty’s life with an act of kindness. Whether it is by signing your organ donor card, giving your family some extra love, petting a dog or cat, or just taking a moment to enjoy a Mars bar.

In living memory of Kirsty Welsh, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

View Kirsty Welsh's Memorial Card Here