It is with deep sadness and the heaviest of hearts we share the passing of Kathy Woodburn on Friday, May 31, 2024. Kathy passed away so peacefully with her daughter Brenda by her side, holding her hand tight – after a very short illness at LHSC-Victoria Hospital at the age of 80. Devoted and loving mother of Brenda (William “Bean”) Hawkins, proud, loving, & doting Grammie of Charlotte, and adored Grandma of “Hazel” her Grand-puppy-dog. Cherished step-mom of Karen (Royden) Moon from Ardmore, Alberta. Dear step-grandma of Elizabeth Moon (Tarin Hempel), Alexandra Martynuik (Malcolm) and step-great grandma of Winston, Ezra & Harrison Martnynuik, step-grandma of Rebecca Moon (Tye Debrule), and Zackery Moon all from Bonnyville and Edmonton, Alberta. Forever missed by her brother – Thomas Ryan and sister – Alice Hodgins both from Lucan. Lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law all on the Woodburn side. Predeceased by her parents Guy and Annie “Maybelle” Ryan, husband Harold Woodburn (2008) and brother-in-law Gerald Hodgins (2004).
Kathy was born in the yellow brick house at the home farm on Saintsbury Line on March 8, 1944. She was raised a true country- farm girl who was so hard working from her youth to adolescent to adult to senior. In fact, up until a few days ago she was out puttering and weeding her many beautiful flower gardens and cutting her infamous grass (which looked and felt like a golf course). She married the love of her life, Harold Woodburn on August 10, 1973 – he swept her off her feet and they danced their way through their many years together, celebrating 35 years of marriage before his passing.
Kathy was an accomplished and professional Accountant for over 48 years. She began her career at Alma Paint in London when she was 18 years old spending 16 years working and then after having her daughter and then returning to work at Sparton of Canada where she retired at the age of 65 with 32 years tenure.
She was incredibly selfless and was always taking care of everyone, proudly watching over all the Clandeboye kids who notably referred to her as a “second mom”. She helped raise and shape these kids into their adulthood – she loved Melissa Rinn, Derek Holden, Bradley Holden, Greg Cunningham, Jeff Cunningham, Neel Misra, Ruby Sequin, & Raj Misra and treated them like her own. Kathy was a special ‘bonus grandma’ to so many of Brenda and Charlotte’s friends and she held a special place in the hearts of them all. She will be deeply missed by her best friend in the whole world – Marjorie Perrow of London who she met while working at Sparton and instantaneously connected.
Among the many cherished moments in Kathy’s life was her infamous road trip with Brenda, Charlotte and friend Janessa Beatson – summer of 2023. She was the co-pilot with old school road atlas and a magnifying glass along the 10-day trip out to her farm in Willow City, North Dakota. She hadn’t seen her farm in over 60+ years, holding the winter wheat with that beautiful smile will always be a memory for us all. Kathy loved her small, close-knit family. She adored both of her daughters and they meant the world to her. She is leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories, kindness, and warmth. Known for her beautiful smile and kind heart she was a pillar to the community and to all that knew her. Among her greatest joys were the times spent with Charlotte, Hazel, Bean, Brenda, and Tom – the bond they all shared was unmeasurable. She was a simple woman who compassionately gave so much and never, ever wanted in return. The most selfless human in this world, to know her was to adore and love her. She passed away on Brenda and Charlotte’s birthday – May 31st and the full-circle of this occurrence leaves one believing in miracles and gifts from above. May her compassionate soul continue to live on in the hearts of all her family and friends who knew her.
Visitation will be held at the Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Friday, June 7th from 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm, where Kathy’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 8th at 11 AM with Rev. Wendy Mencel officiating. Interment St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye. Reception to follow at the Lucan Community Memorial Centre.
Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh
In Kathy’s honour, donations to the Humane Society London & Middlesex would be appreciated by the family.
Offer Condolence for the family of WOODBURN: Kathleen Isabel “Kathy” (nee Ryan) of Clandeboye
