Obituary of Kathleen (Kay) Vanner

March 12, 1924 – Calgary, Alberta

March 29, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

With sadness we announce that our mother, Kathleen Vanner passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at age 99, after a long and full life. 

Kathleen was born in Calgary, AB to Bertram and Edith Smith. When Kay was nine, her father passed away unexpectedly leaving her and her brothers John and David to grow up in the Kensington neighbourhood with just their mother. She had many happy memories from her youth and made lifelong friendships. One experience was when she and her mother were about to set sail back to Canada after visiting family in England on September 3, 1939, the day war was declared, and they we unable to leave, she was sent to stay with relatives living in Ireland and was quite fine with not having to go to school, it would be three months before they could finally return.

She enjoyed working at the Bank of Montreal main branch and also enjoyed playing baseball, in her later years she would watch games with much enthusiasm. She met her future husband, Henry Vanner at the Crystal ice rink, way back when speed skates were the norm. They married after the war, eventually having four children. For much of their 55-year marriage, they could be found in the mountains camping, hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing or skating on Bowness lagoon, on speed skates of course.

Kay was predeceased by her beloved husband Henry in 2003, over time also by son Allan and two grandsons, Christopher and Duane.  She leaves behind daughters, Dianne and Beth, son Douglas (Fern), grandsons, Steven (Van) and Ryan (Tracy), cherished granddaughter Hailey (Sam), and four great-grandchildren.

Her final wish will be fulfilled one day in the future. Kay was devoted to her family, she will be remembered by all who knew her for her kindness and generosity. We will miss you!  Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to a charity of your choice.

In living memory of Kathleen Vanner, 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.