Catherine (Kay) Ruth Madill

Obituary

Passed on November 30, 2020

(nee Arnason) Kay Madill passed away peacefully at Teulon Hospital on Monday, November 30, 2020 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, she will be “home” with her Mum and Dad. This lovely, gentle lady will be lovingly remembered by her husband Ernie, daughter, Laura and her special son-in-law, Ken (Humbert), along with granddaughter, Kimberley (Robert) and grandson, Cory (Lori) and by many nieces and nephews, all of whom were her favorite.

Kay was born in Teulon on February 26, 1932 to Mundi and Ruth Arnason. She had two older sisters, Lillian (Helgi Austman) and Betty (Don Latta). Later, the three were referred to as “The Snoop Sisters”. She grew up on the farm just west of Teulon and went to school in town. She fondly remembered her Gram and Amma being around the farm and also talked about going skating in Teulon and singing all the way there. Later, while working at Boyd Johnson’s store as a teenager, she served a milkshake to a tall and handsome young man named Ernie Madill, a local boy. They married in July of 1953 and recently celebrated 67 years together at Teulon Hospital.

In May of 1954, I was born and then there were three. After a few moves, in 1963 we settled on a farm on PR 415 and Dad, with help, built our forever home. Mom was an extraordinary wife, mom and homemaker. She had worked a short while as Teulon’s Postmistress but was happiest at home in the yard and gardens. Her parents lived down the road, ever a source of love and support. Some of Mom’s most vivid memories were of family and extended family gatherings every second Sunday at Grandma and Grandpa’s. Even in the fog of dementia she recalled those fun times.

Mom’s gardens were renowned in the area and she brought home the Agricultural Society’s Grand Aggregate Trophy more than once. (She could make any plant bloom). She was a keen member of that organization for many years. She also sat on the Teulon and District Museum Board, was a member of the Teulon Curling Club and a member of the Teulon Ladies Golf League. Golfing was a passion for her. When everyone else was hooking or slicing, she casually played down the middle the fairway. She has the golf trophies to prove her skills. She and Dad had many good times golfing with Betty and Don and various friends over the years. Mom and Dad bowled regularly in Stonewall, making many close friends there. Mom was a superb 5-pin bowler and had a spin on her ball that astonished people. At 87, she still out-bowled most of us.

In the late 70’s and early 80’s, Mom and Dad cared for Kim and Cory while Ken and I were at work. It was the best of the best of times for them. The kids flourished and Mom was forever bragging to people about how good they were. They spent lots of happy hours on the farm with Grandma and Grandpa. It was a mutual admiration society.

Mom loved coffee time with the gang, parties with friends, Crypto-quotes and crosswords in the morning, soft, comfy sweatshirts, sparkly rings, Baileys Irish Cream, music, kittens and dogs, birds and babies, candies in a special drawer and family time together.

In 2008, Mom and Dad moved off the farm into Crescent Creek Park in Teulon. They met many wonderful, caring neighbours there. Mom especially enjoyed the sing-a-longs at Ruth’s and often Dad would find mom over there visiting with “her little girls” or picking leaves off the ground, one by one. Everyone knew Kay and kept watch over her.

The demon Alzheimer’s had crept in and eventually they made the move to Gateway Manor. She handled the difficult move with strength and resolve, helping to wrap every nic-nac with care. Thank you to all those who dropped into Gateway to share time with Mom and Dad. Soon, personal care was necessary for Mom so in 2018 she was lucky to be able to move into the Teulon Hospital, just a quick back lane trip for Dad to make to visit her. In March of 2020, Dad moved to the Hospital. Then there were two!

We would like to thank Dr. Loudon and ALL of the competent and compassionate staff at the Teulon Hospital for their care during this past year and a half. Dad feels very safe and comfortable there.

Due to Covid restrictions, no funeral will be held but we hope to have a memorial service in the spring amidst the flowers and under the blue sky and fluffy clouds that Mom so loved.

In Kay’s memory, donations may be made to the Teulon Healthcare Foundation Inc., Box 312, Teulon, Manitoba, R0C 3B0.

“See you later, Mom!”

The Rose Beyond The Wall A rose once grew where all could see, sheltered beside a garden wall, And, as the days passed swiftly by, It spread its branches, straight and tall… One day, a beam of light shone through A crevice that had opened wide- The rose bent gently toward its warmth Then passed beyond to the other side… Now, you who deeply feel its loss, Be comforted – the rose blooms there- Its beauty even greater now, Nurtured by God’s own loving care.

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