Twas a sad, sad day March 4, 2011, that Kay (Kathleen Christie) Marshall/Manlove (Hay) passed away. She said all her goodbyes and like the true director of her days, she was with family at her side and slipped into her eternal sleep. She was part of a special breed and was proud to have lived on her own until her last days.
Kay had a full life that started in Lacombe, Alberta, being the third daughter in the famous Hay family four girl team. She excelled at hockey, track (still holds records), canoeing, tennis and loved all sports. She never quit looking for the next sport and took up golf and bowling in her 70’s and even went tubing behind a ski boat with grandchildren in those 70’s as well. Her wedded life started at her cherished Ranger Crescent home in North Vancouver, where she raised a family of three with her devoted and loving husband, Brett Manlove Sr.
She was a pioneer soccer mom, girls softball coach and led her youngest son around the neighbourhood delivering newspapers as well.
Did we mention, she worked too! She had a long and enjoyable career in the North Vancouver Library system. Assisting the head Librarian in so many growth projects in those days. Her family were all readers as she shared that love of reading to us all.
Kay lost her beloved Brett in 1991. She later reconnected and married Jack Marshall. Jack filled Kay’s life with happiness for many years until his passing. Kay then decided to head back to Kelowna where family awaited and she has resided at Hawthorne Park since that time.
She loved the Okanagan and all that it offers and enjoyed the odd martini while sitting on the boardwalk of the Eldorado watching it all go by!
Her legacy to her family is her beloved cabin at Adam’s Lake. It is the glue that brought us all together. She was such an active grandma for her grandchildren. From her reading on the deck to her afternoon swim with her gaggle of kids, grandma was there. Grandma was a great talker and had many stories to share with everyone. Her memories were being shared right to the last moments her eyes were open! Our last images were smiles in her sleep!
She leaves behind to try and keep up – Brett, Brenda, Corey (where did he get that height) and Sara (Grandma’s swimmer) Manlove – North Vancouver, Judy Johnston, John Angela (her artist) and Katie (her name sake) Johnstons – Kelowna, Steve, Jackie, Hayley (her dancer) and Jess (her super sports man) Manlove – Kelowna.
Nieces and nephews also played big parts of Kay’s life and again that cabin at Adam’s Lake brought them to her!
So long Mom, Grandma and good friend, Kay – you wrote the last chapter and the book is done!
There will be a celebration of life to share these many stories in the coming spring. Raise a glass and here’s to Kay – she was an original - she did it her way – she was a driver, not a passenger and we were privileged to be along for the incredible ride!!
F.A.A.D. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation, #4 – 1551 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, BC V1Y 9M9 or Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC, www.variety.bc.ca. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.
Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5V8