Oystensen, Kathleen
October 1939 – September 2014
Kathy passed away at home on
September 22nd with her husband and sons at her side, after a brave battle with cancer. Predeceased by her father, Arthur Martin and mother Frances Martin and brothers Walter, Paul, Leon and sister Rose. She is survived by her husband Ed of 49 years, sons Grant (Maureen), Karl (Karina), grandsons Tyler, Brett, Ben, brothers Bill, George, sisters Maria, Huia, Rita and by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Kathy was born in Rawene, Northland, New Zealand and graduated from the Ardmore Teaching College. She taught both high school and
elementary school in New Zealand for several years before coming to
Canada in 1964. Her first teaching job here was in Bella Coola where she met
her husband Ed. Kathy travelled from Vancouver to New York and then
returned to her home in New Zealand. Ed and Kathy were married in New Zealand in December 1965. They returned to Bella Coola in the spring of 1967 with their four month old son, Grant. Ed and Kathy moved to Prince Rupert in 1969 when Ed was transferred with Northland Navigation.
Kathy taught at several public schools before accepting a position at
Annunciation School in 1978 where she worked until her retirement.
Kathy loved working in her garden, growing both vegetables and flowers. She loved going out on the boat with friends and family and spending time beachcombing for her collection of glass balls. Kathy was a gentle person who loved life, her friends and family. A special thank you to Dr. Tse and the home support staff from the hospital.
A mass will be held Oct 4th in Annunciation Church at 1:00pm. A
Celebration of Kathy’s Life is to be held following the mass downstairs in the
Gathering Place.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jean C Barber Cancer Lodge, 575 West 10th, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C3.