Fortitude. If asked for a single word to describe a remarkable woman, fortitude would most definitely describe Katherine Griffiths. With our sudden loss of Kay, we have lost not only a mother, grandmother, friend, and activist, but also someone who was a great source of grit, determination, strength and endurance. Kay was many things to many people, but most of all she was someone who constantly taught those around her how to question, explore and act to make the world a better place.
Katherine Annie Ferguson was born on June 19, 1926 in St. Thomas, ON. She was the eldest of four children—Duncan (Betty), Rowena (George Jenkins), and David—whom she helped raise as her mother was frail. She grew up on a dairy farm and was actively involved in all things agriculture for her entire life. She graduated with a teaching certificate from London Teacher’s College and later from Knox College, Toronto as a “Deaconess” in 1957 at a time when women could not be ordained in the Church. She taught elementary school and high school English in St. Thomas and the surrounding area for 18 years until she started the second stage of her life in Oxdrift, ON.
Kay first met the man who would become her husband, Charlie Griffiths, in 1953 while on a Junior Farmer’s exchange to Britain to see Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. They were married on June 30, 1966—the day after school finished for the year. While Kay never returned to teaching, she did spend over twenty years as a school board trustee and volunteered with many organizations, including: the Oxdrift Women’s Institute, the Dryden & District Agricultural Society, Patricia Gardens, 4-H, the Conservative Party, and St. Luke’s Anglican Church. Her passion was always to do things for others (she prepared, delivered and served tea parties at Patricia Gardens until she was 91) and she spent countless summers organizing church camps for youth.
Kay and Charlie had one child, Roger (Kelly) and three grandchildren (Alison, Valerie, and Charlotte). They consider themselves fortunate to have had a grandma next door to visit every day to spend time baking, sewing, gardening, playing games and talking about fond memories and world events. Her greatest gift to the girls was to teach them strength of character and to believe in themselves. When asked for a piece of advice for a recent school project, Kay replied, “Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way”.
Condolences(11)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous Ronald Trist
Next Thelma Derosier
Lynne Pletch says
May 5, 2021 at 10:15 pmMy heart is heavy as I pass on my condolences to the family and friends of Kay. I have valued my 30+ year relationship with Kay as a friend and mentor more than I can say. With her leadership as a teacher and added political advocate , I learned to explore and question many details of life as I lived it. Her generosity of spirit and deep faith reminded me to be forgiving and helpful to others. I will certainly miss our long discussions and yes the arguments too.. Rest In Peace, my dear friend.
Lynne Pletch says
May 5, 2021 at 10:31 pmMy heart is heavy as I pass on my condolences to Kay’s family and friends. I have valued our 30+ year relationship with much love and admiration. Her leadership as a teacher, political advocate, friend and mentor helped me explore and investigate the world in which I lived. Kay’s generosity, knowledge and deep faith helped me to forgive and be helpful to others in my life. I will miss our long discussions and visits and yes the arguments also. May you Rest In Peace, Kay.
Jaela says
May 6, 2021 at 12:00 amAunt Kay will always hold a special place in our hearts. Although our visits were few, her words of wisdom always stuck. Thinking of you at this time.
-Jaela, Tyler and Nicholas (Jenken) VanBommel
Mitchell family says
May 6, 2021 at 1:13 amSincere condolences to Roger, Kelly and daughters for the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. Kay certainly deserved your beautiful tribute to her. She was a wonderful person and friend ….. truly Nature’s Lady.
Marg Payson says
May 11, 2021 at 11:15 pmKay was a special.lady and one of my favourite people. She was my cousin, my public school teacher, my 4H leader, and always a cheerleader in everything we did. I phoned her periodically and about 2 months ago had a chat with her. As soon as she heard who I was, she immediately asked how my granddaughter was doing in school, and she was proud to learn that Tayler had completed her Bachelor of Education degree……an educator to the very end.. Kay will be missed …My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time..
Myrna Jenken says
May 6, 2021 at 1:52 pmMy deepest Sympathy to the families of Aunt Kay. She was an incredible woman!
Bill Vincent says
May 6, 2021 at 2:18 pmRoger and family
We are saddened to hear of Kay’s passing. She was a remarkable lady. Our thoughts are with you at your time of loss.
Bill and Susan Vincent
Karen Stenberg Smith says
May 6, 2021 at 3:38 pmTo Roger and Family
I would like to add integrity as another word to describe Kay. So sad as more people connected to my parents and grandparents eras follow the same path. You’ve had a wonderful mentor in this lovely lady.
May your memories be fulfilling.
Glenice Howell Sveinson says
May 7, 2021 at 1:03 pmThe Griffiths and Howell families go back many decades and their friendship continued well into the present day when Kay and my mom (Pansy Howell) became such good friends through their love for St Lukes in Dryden and Holy Trinity in Minnitaki. May they continue their friendship in Heaven. Rest In Peace Kay. Mom will welcome you with open arms.
Kevin Adams says
May 8, 2021 at 4:16 pmPraying for strength to all family and friends of Kay. I have fond memories of Kay visits in my early Canada years and in San Diego. God is our strength in times of trouble.
Ursula Rhyner says
May 10, 2021 at 1:26 pmSending condolences on the passing of your mom and grandmother. Kay was a memorable woman who had impact on everyone she met. Her wisdom and encouragement will live on in all of you.
Donations may be made to St. Luke’s Anglican Church of a Local Charity of Choice through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3.
All Rights Reserved