Obituary of Kathy Lydia Keay
Kathy Lydia Keay (née Spady)
March 19, 1956 - December 18, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of a very special person, Kathy Keay. Kathy will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Don; siblings: Keith (Bonnie), Gayleen (Allan), and Barry; siblings-in-law: Bill (Wanda) and Kathy (Barry); children: Devin (Candice) and Jenna (Derek); grandchildren: Bria, Isaac, and Bennett; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and innumerable friends who she cherished deeply.
Kathy will be remembered for her dedication, drive, presence, perceptiveness, generosity, and zest for life. She was born and raised on a farm just outside of Castor, Alberta to Lily and Victor Spady. Castor is where she met the love of her life, Don. Over the course of 44 years of marriage, the two enjoyed many travels around the world. They loved to travel with friends to Arizona, where they explored, shopped, and played battle-of-the-sexes over never-ending games of Canasta.
Her dedication extended to her work life. After 35 years working in Health Records at Daysland Hospital, she made beautiful connections with her colleagues and those in the community. If you wanted something done, you gave the task to Kathy. This drive was an asset in her roles on the Daysland Hospital Foundation.
Kathy was a proud mama and even prouder grandmother. She and Don always fully supported their kids. Whether it was by cheering them on at all their sporting or dancing events, supporting them as they pursued higher education, or welcoming their chosen partners to the family; they made it known that they were proud of the meaningful lives their children had built. The last two years of her life, Kathy got such joy by spoiling and bragging about her grandkids. They loved playing with Grandma and all the attention she gave them.
Kathy was a tour-de-force. She made strong connections with all those around her and took a genuine interest in their lives. She listened attentively and remembered important facts; her family, friends, and colleagues always felt loved and supported by her uplifting spirit. She would come home from work and always have a story to share. She made us all laugh as she transformed any small story into a grand production. We will greatly miss our Kathy-stories and her infectious giggle.
Fitness was an important part of Kathy’s life, as well as the people she connected with through fitness. Aerobics in Forestburg, golfing in Daysland, exercise classes at the gym in Camrose, and walks around Mirror Lake. It was through physical activity that she built life-long friendships. She was so proud of her children for their athletic and outdoor pursuits; following their mother’s passion and making healthy living a priority.
It was no secret that Kathy loved to shop. Her love language was gift giving. And oh was she good at it! She took great delight in buying gifts for all those around her, especially new babies. Joy would fill the room as she would show off her recent finds and tell us whom the gifts were for. She had so much love to give. On those shopping sprees, she often “had to” pick up something for herself too. She was one fashionable lady!
Our family would like to thank all the staff at Daysland Hospital, U of A Hospital Hematology and ICU, and STARS for the care you provided to Kathy.
Due to Alberta Health restrictions, a private family service was held. To view the recording of the service please click on and follow this link https://vimeo.com/494543641/43346cbb79
It’s hard to believe mom is gone. If you wish to honour her life by way of giving, please consider a donation to Daysland Hospital Foundation.
