November 22, 1929 – February 2, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Kathy Cornish, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She passed away in Montreal, Quebec on February 2, 2025, at the age of 95.

Kathy was predeceased by her husband Frank, son Jim, her parents, Joseph and Magdalena Strilchuk, and siblings Irene, Dennis, Ted, Delrose, Alice, June, Ken, Sharon, and Gail. She leaves behind a devoted family who will forever cherish her memory: her children Carol, Kathleen (Reg), and Darryl, her daughter-in-law Marlene, her grandchildren Jacqueline (Jakob), Matthew, Jefferey, Timothy, Jessica, and Janet, and her great grandchildren Georgette, Braedan and Mason. Her sister Cleone, sisters-in-law Becky and Ona, and brother-in-law Brian also mourn her loss.

Kathy was born in Round Hill,  Alberta on November 22, 1929, to parents who instilled in her a deep sense of love, kindness, and duty. Kathy’s life was defined by her selflessness, her nurturing spirit and her dedication to the care of others. From a young age, she was a caregiver for many younger siblings, and she carried that same compassion into her professional life as a nurse. Kathy excelled in her nursing career, where she was known for her commitment to the highest standards of patient care. She took great pride in teaching, sharing her knowledge with those around her, and was responsible for the development of quality control manuals for the hospital where she worked.

Kathy was a perfectionist and always demanded the best of herself but was very understanding with others. Her strength and resilience were truly remarkable. At the age of 42, she underwent one of the earliest heart bypass surgeries in Alberta, and was given only five years to live. She defied all odds, returning to her work as a nurse for many years and enjoying worldwide travel with her family well into her eighties.

We will all miss her subtle, quirky sense of humor and the beautiful smile that lit up her face when family and friends were near. Kathy created a home wherever she was and was considered a second mom by many of her children’s friends.  Her famous care packages, always carefully wrapped and thoughtfully curated, arrived regularly, bringing much happiness to her grandchildren over the years. Memories of her elegant tea parties are cherished by us all.

Kathy leaves behind a legacy of compassion, humor, and resilience that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her beloved husband Frank and son Jim, and other loved ones who crossed the bar before her. She will be forever remembered with love and admiration. Kathy’s indomitable spirit and boundless love have been gifts that have enriched all of our lives beyond measure. We will miss you Mom.

Special thanks to the Chateau Pierrefonds Residence team who went above and beyond in making Kathy’s last years ones that were filled with warmth and great kindness. We are also very grateful to the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care residence team for their exceptional care during Kathy’s final days.

A funeral service and celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on June 13, 2025 at St. Joseph's Basilica in Edmonton. Kathy will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Frank at St. Mary's Cemetery in Bluffton.