Obituary of Katherine McGuire

May 25, 1928 - Glasgow, Scotland

June 23, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

The family of Katherine McGuire (nee Dougall) is saddened to announce her passing at the age of 95 at Bethany Riverview, specialized dementia care centre in Calgary, Alberta.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Katherine was the youngest of two daughters. She was very close to her sister Jean whom she looked up to and admired. So, it was only natural that Katherine, who always loved babies and children, followed her sister Jean into teaching, working at a nursery school in Glasgow.

For one summer break, Katherine travelled by ship to Toronto to visit her dear friend Margaret. Katherine loved her holiday so much that she decided to remain in Canada. Upon hearing this news, her future husband, Frank, also bought a ticket to Canada to be with the love of his life. They were married in Toronto in 1957, became proud Canadian citizens and spent the remainder of their lives in Ontario and Alberta.

Katherine will always be remembered for her warm heart, generosity and enthusiasm in welcoming extended family, neighbours, friends and even strangers into her home for a cup of tea, Sunday dinner, holiday celebrations and extended stays. Katherine was especially well known for her annual Christmas Eve party, where everyone was invited to celebrate the season.

As a young adult, Katherine played field hockey for Scotland. She loved swimming, cross-country skiing, golf, badminton, and tennis. Her children recall that behind her sweet smile, kind tips and guidance to her rivals, she was a fierce competitor who thrived on the challenge of competition.

Although she enjoyed the adventure of travel, Katherine's favourite trip was back home to Scotland to visit her mother, sister and many nieces and nephews.

Anyone who knew Katherine knows of her passion for sweets. She loved chocolate! When first hospitalized with dementia, Katherine could always make her way to the nurses' station in the next ward, where the chocolate biscuits and tea were kept. Katherine could not always find her way back to her room, but at 7:30 pm every night, the nurses knew where they could find her.

Katherine is predeceased by her husband Frank, mother Jean Dougall and sister Jean Martin. She leaves to mourn her children Sheila (David Van Vliet), Lesley (Doug Karmen) and Iain (Penney White), along with four grandchildren Jenna (Craig Logan) and Devan (Jarrid Hrupp) Van Vliet, Lindsey Karmen, and Zakary McGuire.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bethany Riverview for supporting and caring for Katherine these last few years. A memorial will be held for the residents and staff at Bethany Riverview, and a private family celebration of Katherine's life will be held later.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1.  Tel: (1-866) 950-5465, www.alzheimer.ab.ca. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Katherine McGuire, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.