Obituary of Kathyrne Louise Borwick
May 29, 1938 - Drumheller, Alberta
July 24, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta
It is with heavy hearts we share that Kathyrne “Kathy” Louise Borwick, aged 85, of Calgary, AB, passed away Monday afternoon, July 24, 2023, due to complications from surgery. She was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mom, aunt (Auntie Kay), grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Kathy is the last of the King siblings.
Kathy was born in Drumheller, AB. She grew up on a farm near Michichi with her parents, and was the youngest of her six brothers and sisters. This is where she learned many skills including gardening, cooking, baking, and driving a tractor.
A quote from Kathy regarding her early years:
“I remember so many happy times growing up. As I was born after the ‘Great Depression’, I was more fortunate than my siblings so all I really remember are the good times.”
Her elementary schooling was at a country school, where she would take a horse and buggy to get there. She attended high school in Drumheller, where Kathy met the love of her life, Ian Borwick. After graduation, Kathy went to business school in Calgary, while Ian attended university in Edmonton. Kathy later moved to Edmonton to work for Imperial Oil. Kathy and Ian were married on November 28, 1958 and had four children. Erin in 1960, Colleen in 1962, Jim in 1965, and Bruce in 1966.
Although they have lived most of their lives in Calgary, moving there in 1962, Kathy and Ian made an exciting and adventurous move to California with their family in 1969. They spent four wonderful years there, made lifelong friends and moved back to Calgary in 1973.
After many years as a dedicated mother, Kathy went back to work as an accountant and went on to have a rewarding career while juggling a home and motherhood. She gradually retired and transitioned to her role as a loving Grandma and then as Grandma K (great-grandma).
Kathy’s baking was renowned with many recipes being handed down to her children and grandchildren, including her famous cinnamon bread. For many years she and Ian hosted a weekly Sunday dinner with all her children and grandchildren. They would gather around the dining room table and spend time together chatting and connecting. Most dinners the grandchildren would squabble over who got the honored seat of sitting on Grandma’s right.
Kathy was an accomplished gardener and card maker. She took so much pride in making personalized cards for each of her friends and family members. Each beautiful card was a unique design made with much love.
Kathy was an avid golfer and a member of Pinebrook Golf and Country Club for 30 years. Ian and Kathy enjoyed many golfing vacations including St. Andrews in Scotland.
More than any of her hobbies though, Kathy most valued time with Ian, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and their dog Rio. She was strong and fiercely independent. She will be dearly missed.
She leaves behind her cherished husband Ian, her daughters, Erin (Brian) and Colleen; and her sons, Jim (Cathy) and Bruce (Nicole). Also missing her are her ten grandchildren, Graham (Carly), Rebecca (Brendan), Danielle (Zach), Kailey (Spencer), Jamie (Justin), Charley, Hayden, Caleb, Sasha, and Mimi; and her eleven great-grandchildren, Marie, Vivian, Lucy, Grace, Benjamin, Elizabeth,Olivia, Flynn, Nora, Rosie, and Remy. She will also be missed by other family including Don, Ron, Shirley, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Archibald and Mary King; Ian’s parents, Charley and Leola Borwick; her sisters and brothers, Vera (Bud), Jessie (Robert), Jacqueline, Marie, Allen (Jeanette), Russell, and Maureen; and her son-in-law Thomas.
A Celebration of Kathy’s Life will be held at Varsity Community Center (4303 Varsity Drive NW, Calgary, AB) on August 26, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to your local food bank or a charity of your choice. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.