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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
CONSENHEIM, Kathleen Margaret (Kay) - Kay lived life her way. Proud and independent. Stubborn and sometimes stuck in her ways. She was never afraid to swear or shake a fist when needed but always in a proper fashion.
Born into the depression, greeted a few years later by a world war her survival instincts were nurtured at a young age. That toughness gave her the strength to push for home ownership, as a single mother to a young boy, in East Vancouver when "East Van" was a rough place.
She carved out her little blue house, complete with her beautiful gardens, among the not always so pleasant Riley Park neighbourhood. That house became a haven for Les and his friends. Mrs. C. was always ready to feed the boys or turn a blind eye to the beer on ice they would enjoy in the fishpond on a Saturday afternoon now and then.
Her brother Ron gave her a great deal of help during the early years of home ownership. He and Weis, and the cousins, were a big part of her life. With their help, and friendships like those of "Marg and Arnie", she figured out how to make life work.
Her home also welcomed many cats and several dogs. "Katie-bell" loved her animals and also loved to paint them, that is of course when she wasn't painting the gardens, ocean scenes (Galiano Island with Edith and Elsie) or the blue house itself.
Mom loved music. Always looking to improve her piano playing skills or sing in a choir, she loved to be engaged by her music. Her house was always brimming with articles stuffed into old binders (from her time at P H &N) covering classical music, gardening, sewing and every other crafty, artistic or hobby idea there was – never ending clippings and copious notes.
Kay moved to Kamloops in 2000 and after a stint in an executive house found another small "blue house" to make her cottage. She spent the last 17 years rebuilding that house into her haven. The expansive gardens and dry creek beds, a spare room full of sewing projects, her doll collection and a piano were just the start. She found a choir to sing in for over 10 years and always had a dog. After losing her last dog she welcomed Marty's dog Arthur, which she dog sat three afternoons a week.
Nana was very proud of and loved her grandkids. When they were younger she would be sewing Tori a dress or helping Riley with some art. She even found dolls that looked just like both of them.
Only a block from Les and Ester's she was a frequent dinner guest and always enjoyed a glass or two of wine.
Kay lived the independent life she wanted to the very end, still making lists of things that needed to be done and getting Les to do a few or letting Ester know what supplies she was low on.
Kay, Mom or Nana will be missed and thought of every time a glass of wine is raised, Mozart is heard, gardening is done or the dog looks for a treat. (The Kamloops This Week 30 Aug 2022)
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