Janis Perkin (Clarkson S. S. Classmate)

Entered April 2, 2018 from Ottawa Canada

Hello Tom, I was very sorry to see your post. May you find comfort from the family and friends who will surround you with care and love at this time

Colin Brown (son-in-law)

Entered April 2, 2018 from aurora, on

Kay was loved by all who knew her. My mom, who cannot use email, commented that she had a serene and peaceful disposition that always made her a pleasure to be around. That was very true. She was very kind to me as Katherine and I would often visit her and Maurice in Frankville for extended visits. I will always remember her smiling and laughing.

Colin Brown

Margaret Scanlon (Niece of her late husband Maurice)

Entered April 3, 2018 from Athea Ireland

She was a real lady so quiet and kind

Leila Nulty (friend of Eileen's)

Entered April 3, 2018 from Shawville Quebec

On behalf of us all we were saddened to hear of your Mom's passing; coming so close on the passing of our own mother made the news that much more of a shock. http://www.smithsfh.com/book-of-memories/3459733/Nulty-Nellie/obituary.php
We do know how you feel and send our sincere condolences.
Peace,
Leila

Lee May Nikoletos (Grandniece)

Entered April 3, 2018 from Aurora, Ontario

My dear Great Aunt Kay,

Your kind eyes and gentle smile will always be warmly remembered.

Love forever,
Harry, Harrison and Lee May

Kay Conway was not only my mother; we were house mates. After the passing of my father, Maurice Conway, in 2011 she moved in with me. That arrangement was beneficial to us both. We made a great team.

During the past 7 years I learned more about my mother. I knew that she liked movies but I didn’t realize how much. She would watch movies on TV in the morning and in the afternoon. She could remember the names of all the actors and films when I couldn’t.

One of the movies I enjoyed was “Four Weddings and a Funeral. “ It is a comedy. At one point in the movie, one of the characters attending yet another wedding ends up having a heart attack and dies while dancing at the wedding reception. His partner recounts in his eulogy that called around to ask his friends what they remembered most about the deceased. He said words like, “fat” and “rude” were the most common responses. Sometimes “very fat” and “very rude.” Well, my mother was neither of those. But when I told friends and family about Kay’s passing, one of the most common descriptors of my mother was “calm” and “quiet.” Also “quiet charm” and “delightful presence.” That quiet and calm demeanour was a number of things. To her, it was a feeling that somehow other people’s stories were more interesting than her own. That she had nothing new or interesting to say. However, to others, her quiet presence represented a safe space for sharing concerns, expressing points of view, and bragging about children and grandchildren. She enjoyed receiving others at the home and listening to them because she found people interesting.
A neighbour told me that when she stayed alone in her house, she felt “strangely safe” simply knowing that my mother was in the house across the street.

To our family she represented unconditional love and stability. She was always there and we thought she would be there forever, despite the knowledge that this wasn’t possible. She was an accepting person. No one was expected to be something that they weren’t.

I am very grateful that my mother lived a long, fulfilling life. That her life has come to a sudden end is something that we are all going to have to work through and adjust to. It will take a long time to fill the gap that she has left. The grieving process takes time.

A friend told me that “grief is like having emotional cramps.” It hits in waves. Sometimes when you least expect it. She also shared what she considered to be the best descriptor of grief. It was written by Jamie Anderson:
“Grief, I have learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part in your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”

That love for my mother will not fade but the grief will pass and be replaced by happy memories of our long time together.

Message I sent to my St. Brigid’s group email list: I was saddened to learn from Denise, that on Holy Saturday morning (March 31, 2018), Kay Conway, was called home by the Lord and reunited with her beloved husband, Maurice, who passed away 7 years earlier in March. Kay was the beloved dear mother of Denise Conway, and her siblings Eileen, Tom, David and Katherine, and a much loved mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Kay moved to Ottawa seven years ago to live with Denise and to be closer to family in the city. She immediately blended in with church groups, the Good Companions and the cultural life which Ottawa has to offer. She joined in with the 'Brigidines' who attend St. Theresa's Parish and attended their Social Sundays after Mass, some of the monthly Seniors’ Luncheons, the special Masses for the Sick; also brunched at the former Holiday Inn and joined in on many celebrations we had there for the last few years before that hotel closed. She also attended brunches and birthday celebrations at Coopers Restaurant over the past few years. When Kay and Denise joined Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, they attended the Social Sundays and other dinners and events held in that Parish. Kay always enjoyed going to the Pops concert series at the NAC with Denise (of which I joined them for a few years); she kept active by attending exercise classes at the Good Companions with her daughter Eileen, and she also watched exercise classes from the City of Ottawa on TV. She was a regular on the weekly grocery run sponsored by the Good Companions. On December 19, 2017, Kay turned 90 and was the recipient of many congratulatory certificates or letters from government officials; flowers and many cards and best wishes. She always was eager to go places (especially trips to Aurora and St. Catherines area to visit family) and attend events with Denise who will greatly miss her dear mother, as will all her family. Kay always had a smile and kind words and she never complained. She often spoke of how proud she was of her five children and how good they were to her. She was so very fortunate to have been able to still cook and bake until she reached 90; she enjoyed reading and watching television, even tuning into the Daily Mass on Vision TV over the past couple months when she wasn't able to get out as often; and to have conversations with her family and friends. She will be greatly missed indeed.
Our Sincerest Condolences and prayers to Denise and her family. Eternal Rest grant unto her, O Lord; And let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace. Amen.