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KATHERINE ANN SZELER (HARDY)
Date of Passing: Apr 17, 2019
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KATHERINE ANN SZELER
Kathy was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia to Reginald Joseph Hardy and Gladys Jane Hardy (nee Thomas). As the eldest of eight children (Brian, Karen, Kim, Kevin, Blair, Bruce and Keith), Kathy was "second mom" to many of her younger siblings.
She is survived by her spouse Lorne Russell Sunley and daughter Kelly Joan Dickinson (nee Szeler), her sisters, Karen and Kim (Bauer), her brothers, Kevin, Blair, Bruce and Keith and their respective families. Her brother Brian died in 2018.
Kathy attended McGill University in Montreal where she met and married Matthew Joseph Szeler in 1968. Their daughter Kelly was born in 1969. After their separation in 1975, she formed a relationship with Lorne Sunley which lasted for nearly 43 years until her death. Kathy was very close to Lorne's family and they welcomed her and Kelly into the Sunley fold: Florence and Alan (who died in 2008 and 2012 respectively), his older brother Robert (who died in 2013), his younger brother Kenn, and their families.
Kathy loved cats, and over the years was the cat mom to 10 beloved cats: Simon, Sebastian, Spook, Mooch, Mikey, Sebastian, Echo, Rugrat, Wren and Little. Kathy donated generously to the Winnipeg Humane Society and to other animal welfare organizations.
Kathy worked in the accounting and payroll field for many years, most recently at Pollard Banknote and before that at Winpak Ltd., both located in Winnipeg. She was well respected and cherished by her colleagues, who spoke of her vast knowledge, kindness and patience. She was a hard worker, often quietly going above and beyond what was required because the people she worked with and helped mattered a great deal to her.
Kathy loved arts and culture; in particular the symphony and the ballet. She was an avid supporter of, and attended, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and Royal Winnipeg Ballet performances for many years. Kathy was also a member and patron of the Assiniboine Zoo and loved the zoo and the animals. In her later years, she travelled to Europe and visited several of the zoos in Europe, her favourite being the Dublin Zoo. Kathy's favourite animals were the big cats, and of those, the snow leopards held a special place in her heart.
Kathy will be truly missed by those in her life. She was thoughtful, generous, kind, practical, stoic, sharp-witted, fashionable, funny and spirited. She made us laugh at the end with some great zingers while she was in hospital, even when she wasn't feeling her best. She was quiet and hated being the center of attention; she appreciated good red wine (though in a pinch, plonk would do) and good food. She was a great cook herself, with innate timing for bringing a meal together, whether for an intimate family dinner or a larger feast with friends and family. She was pretty amazing. We had a wonderful life with her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations which were near and dear to her heart: the Snow Leopard Trust (https://www.snowleopard.org/), the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (https://wso.ca/), or the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (https://www.rwb.org/).
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 27, 2019
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Kathy, I was very shocked to hear of your passing. I remember the first contact I had with you. It was late 2011 and I was injured at work. We had many phone conversations and you helped me deal with the Worker's Comp Board. You went way beyond the call of duty to help me deal with them. I remember you were told to stop contacting them on my behalf, but you did not listen. That is when I knew you cared about the people at work! You took pride in helping everyone, even though it almost landed you in hot water! You are truly going to be missed by all the friends you made at Pollard! RIP Kathy!! - Posted by: Dale Nickerson (Pollard Employee) on: Apr 28, 2019
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I always looked forward to our Saturday morning 9:00 appointments. Kathy had one of the driest wits and we would laugh through her appointment. Because of her I rediscovered the Winnipeg Zoo and also on her recommendation went to the Dublin zoo two years ago. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed her company. I hope all your cats were lined up waiting for you Kathy...... - Posted by: Barb Gudziunas (Hairstylist and friend) on: Apr 28, 2019
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Lorne, our deepest sympathies at this sad time, she will be missed by family and friends alike. - Posted by: Louise and Marty Kos (Friend) on: Apr 27, 2019
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Although I did not have the privilege of meeting Katherine, I know - as evidenced by her amazing daughter- that she must have been a wonderful woman. May all the good memories be kept close and shared to keep her memory alive ❤️ Rebecca Ramsey - Posted by: Rebecca (Sister in-law) on: Apr 27, 2019
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Thinking of you at this time Kelly and after reading this understand your love of the arts and of felines. Your Mum and Koko are probably cuddling right now. Take care. - Posted by: Marguerite Toogood (Friend) on: Apr 27, 2019
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Kathy, you were direct, honest, funny, and caring. You had fantastic taste in wine and fabric. You were bold but never loud and suffered no fools. I love that you knew the names and characters of every animal at the zoo. I’m so happy that you were surrounded by love for your last weeks and last moments. - Posted by: Chani (Niece) on: Apr 27, 2019
