Kathleen “Kay” Jessie Wilkinson (née Ironside) passed away peacefully at Belvedere Heights, on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024. Age 87 years.

Beloved wife of the late Rev. Dr. Maurice Wilkinson. Loving sister of the late Albert Ironside (survived by his wife Diane). Fondly remembered by her nieces, other relatives, and friends.

Kay worked for the Etobicoke Board of Education, the Near North District School Board, and the Anglican Church of Canada.

A sincere thank-you to the staff at the West Parry Sound Health Centre and Belvedere Heights for their care and compassion.

As was Kay’s wish, cremation has taken place.

A private interment of ashes will take place at Trinity Memorial Gardens in the spring.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Wycliffe College, Toronto, West Park Health Care Centre, or Trinity Anglican Church, Parry Sound, would be appreciated.

Condolences

Kay was a gift to many residents of Belvedere. She was also a wonderful member of District 6 RTOERO. Many warm memories of Kay.

Dear Kay, You will be missed by so many people who loved you. Your kindness, intelligence, humour, and concern for social justice and the welfare of others made you a model citizen and a good friend. I admired your path - saving up to go to uni in the 50s at a time when few women did, your work as a social worker for more than a decade before becoming a dedicated teacher for the rest of your career. Your life wasn’t as easy as you made it look - having gotten polio as a young teenager and living with the long-term effects of that and other health issues for much of your life - but rather than complain about pains or health, your mind was on other important things like your faith, social issues, or about sending someone a card who needed a pick-me-up. I’m so glad to have known you, Kay, and I cherish your memory. May your spirit be reunited with Maurice and DD #1 & 2! With love, Laura

What a remarkable teacher and woman. She was so dedicated to her students, even knitting mittens one year for her special education students. She touched many lives outside the school as well. She will be missed but her legacy will continue through her generosity of time and love.

I am very saddened to read of Kay’s passing. She was a very caring lady & very helpful to many people, especially those with multiple sclerosis. She will be missed by many. I wish her happy trails & that we meet again.

Kay was a truly beautiful person. She had a strong faith and lived out of that faith in generosity, sharing her home, her time, her money and her skills where she saw a need. Kay was deeply interested and concerned about people, and was engaged throughout her life in helping others, most recently volunteering at Belvedere. Kay experienced significant adversity in her life, but did not let this make her resentful or bitter. She was much more interested in hearing how others were doing than talking about her own problems, even when the person present was her caregiver. Kay made the world a better place. We will miss her.
Merry and Erin

The Festival of the Sound has lost another dedicated patron. I have so many fond memories of her during our summers in Parry Sound. Her passion for music and the town of Parry Sound made her an icon around town. Rest in peace Kay.

Kay was such a warm, gracious, hospitable, kind person, who inspired me with her faith and her caring for others. And her contribution to the cultural life of the Parry Sound area was so very substantial. We give thanks for her life and will miss her.

Kay will be missed and was loved by the Collins family.
Jon, Nicole, Oliver, Campbell and Hazel

Miss Ironside, as I knew her, was always smiling. She was a kind soul. May she rest in peace.
Blessings

I've just lost my dearest friend and soulmate. A life well lived, a life shared with so many. A strong and courageous woman who cared deeply for family, friends, her community and all she came in touch with. It was an honor and privilege to be with her during the past five months of her time in hospital, in Sudbury. She is home, not gone but missed, oh so much. Sandra

Rest in peace sweet soul. Very well said Laura Tripp I could not have said it better myself. Family relationships are complicated especially when they are at a distance. I thank the many friends and caregivers for being present for my Aunt when we could not. My father Albert thought of her well being most of his life and provided support as only he knew how through cars which were his life. Helping as best he could when the time came to purchase. My daughters Gabriella and Stephanie (like I with middle name Kathleen) still treasure the handmade gifts that Aunt Kathy would send, to this day keeping the nightgowns and mittens in their memory boxes. I always found solace and support in our conversations always commenting on how they were like no time had passed in between. She touched many lives with her work may her presence provide comfort in any time of need, All my love.