Kathleen Eva Richey

December 9, 2019 8 Condolences Print Obituary Send Flowers

Kathleen Eva Richey (Milne)
January 26, 1962- December 4, 2019

It is finished. Her battle is over. No more pain. No more drugs. Her amazing, shining light has moved on. Kathleen slipped away very peacefully after living with ovarian cancer for four years. She was a devoted wife, Mom, Grammy, sister, daughter, friend and educator. She was loved very much by her family who will miss her forever.

She was predeceased by her father Patrick Dennis Milne and her sister Lori Jean. Kathleen will be lovingly remembered by her husband Ron; son Paul (Caitlin); daughter Moira (Jordan); precious granddaughter Pharis; mother Daisy; siblings Brenda (Mark), Heather (Dale), Dennis (Ardell), and Tracy (Steve); nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

Kathleen was a gifted musician and vocalist. She sang in the choir until she couldn’t anymore. Her voice will be missed. For years she taught many young children Kindermusik , bringing this music to students at Beacon Heights school in the pre-k program also. She shared her love of song with each child.

Kathleen was a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools and in spite of her cancer diagnosis, she chose to continue teaching grades 1 and 2 at Westglen before moving to Hilwie Hamdon School. She was a brilliant educator of students with challenges, particularly students with Autism. She embraced each child as a human being, treating each student with respect and dignity. She loved her students unconditionally and would only assign fun homework like “go for a walk” or “play outside” as she believed time at home should be spent with family.

She faced her cancer diagnosis with such courage and grace. As she went through treatment after treatment over the past four years she remained positive, despite knowing her diagnosis was terminal. She continued her career as a gifted educator throughout this time, devoting all her considerable skills to engage with and inspire her students. She cherished each and every student. By doing so she has taught us to be courageous and patient, ready to assume the best of strangers, and to always presume competence in those who others may disregard. All her final energies were directed towards being loving and graceful to the multitude of friends, fellow educators and family that surrounded her.

There will be a memorial service for Kathleen on Saturday December 21, 2019 at 10:00AM at the First Baptist Church (10031 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB).

She will be missed dearly and her memory treasured.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to the staff of Ward 43 at the Grey Nuns Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ovarian Cancer Canada.

  1. Ron, and entire Family, May our Lord Jesus grant to each of you an abundance of His Mercy and Grace … during these days of grieving. I have lots of fond memories of Kathy’s wonderful abilities. Blessings on you. (dk)

  2. She was so very special. We will miss her forever.

  3. I remember Kathleen with only warm memories. She was beautiful soul and a wonderful friend. My thoughts are with her family. She will be truly missed.

  4. My son Casey, now 13, took Kindermusik classes with Kathleen a decade ago. What a beautiful singing voice she had, and what a fun and encouraging teacher she was. I will miss hearing her lovely solos in our church choir. Condolences to her loved ones.

  5. When I first met the vocalist Kathleen at Grant McEwan (a long time ago), I had no idea that I would be introduced to–ushered into–a family that impacted me, and my daughters, so profoundly. Hers was a family so overflowing with not only musical and artistic gifts and abilities, but also, and more amazing, overflowing with LOVE! It warmed their home, and embraced anyone they touched! I loved how Kathleen rested/flourished in the underpinning true love and support of her husband whom she admired and adored, and made no bones about declaring it! She cherished her children, and did such creative things with them; Paul and Moira were her absolute delight! And we all made music together around the piano. So much fun! Along side, Ron shared his art heart and wisdom with my daughter–words still treasured to this day. Wonderful memories. I was thrilled to finally be back in touch after my own hiatus, thrilled to see pictures of Kathleen with her family, her grown-up children… and her granddaughter. Wow! Absolutely precious! I’m so happy she experienced the wonder of a grandchild. One more blessing in her life. Kathleen–bright, musical, kind, strong and wise, caring and sharing, living out her faith so naturally, so courageously. I though we’d have more time now to catch up, but sadly, I have to wait. There is new meaning and consolation in the words “…present with the Lord.” We can only imagine! I am so sad, and I wish I could help ease your pain and heartbreak, Ron, and Paul and Moira… and families. I will join the circle of friends who are praying for all of you. May God give you strength and comfort! May you feel His arms around you.

  6. Ron and family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.

  7. Ron,Paul and Moira and families,
    I am really sorry. Nothing else can be said ….
    Loss is so painful but faith knows it’s not forever.

  8. Ron – I was so very shocked and saddened to find this news, to find Kathleen gone. Sorry I am so late in learning this. She came to my mind very clearly recently and I thought I’d tried to find her on Facebook. It’s been such a long time since I met you and Kathleen, when we were at GMCC. My heart broke to find this instead. I hope you’ve been healing and learning to live with a lifetime of beautiful memories of her. I do understand that grief shifts and moves but never really leaves us. My heart goes out to you, Paul and Moira and all who loved her. She truly was, and will always be a warm, incredibly generous, shining light. My sincerest condolences.

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