With a feeling of profound loss, we announce the passing of Kathryn Harriet MacDuffee (née Adamson) on the 12 day of June 2024 in her 88th year after a short illness. Kathryn was dearly loved by many and will be enormously missed by her sister Bonnie (Dick), four children Misty (Ron), Jamie (Amanda), Cameron (Karen) and Kira (Edward) and her 2 grandchildren Laura and Bryn (Ashley). Devoted wife of 50 years to Richard James MacDuffee (2009) they raised a family and built a home, a business and a beautifully rich life on a hill in Caledon, Ontario. Kathryn touched the lives of so many every day and worked tirelessly to leave the planet and the people in it better off than she found it. Her love and passion for humanity and her unwavering ability to see the best in people without judgement was reflected in all of her activities – her days spent on the farm in Palgrave, on the waters in Honey Harbour and the Kawartha’s, and hours of service to her children and community. Born in St Catherines, Ontario to Ethyl and William Adamson, Kathryn received her teachers certificate in Toronto and began a lifelong career in primary education, reluctantly retiring in 2019 at the age of 83. Her endless list of accomplishments and achievements continue to be seen and celebrated by those who knew her. This eternally youthful woman had a vibrant spirit that danced in her soul from the day she was born until the day she left us. With love forever….. A private green burial was held on Cortes Island June 14, with a public celebration of life to be held later this year in Ontario. The family is grateful to the Death Caring Collective for their guidance, assistance, and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Collective through the Cortes Island Community Foundation, “Death, Disability & Elder Care” fund, who will issue a tax deductible receipt. Donations may also be made to the Raincoast Conservation Foundation (Raincoast.org).
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Elyse Chan
Sincere condolences. Kay was a bright light, always positive and loving. I am so grateful to have known her and shared meaningful conversations and laughter. May you be surrounded by her love and light always.
Kelley Potter
Oh gosh, I’m sorry to hear of this but when I think of Kay, a smile comes to me. She was always so full of life. Such a warm, and giving lady who was interested in others and how to make things better. She is a great example to all of us in how to live a life filled with grace and exuberance. We are all the better for having known her.
Sheila Paradi
I am feeling sad reading your touching and beautiful words about your Mom. Whenever I met her she always had such a welcoming smile and took time to have a conversation. I still fondly remember the enthusiastic support and presence of both your Mom & Dad at Humberview Band concerts and school events. Keep taking care of each other during this time.
Sheila (Stewart) Paradi
Debbie Marshall
So sad to hear this news, Kay left memories of happiness and smiles. Such a gentle sweet person, may she rest in peace.
Debbie Marshall
Ken and Chris Graham
What a terrible loss for a life well lived. Your beautiful obituary describes Kay to a “T”. I loved talking to her and hearing about her latest adventure. I remember well her column in the Bolton Enterprise. Who else could hop in a hot air balloon in a race across Australia? I call her the perpetual teenager. She was probably the most optimistic person I know. As a teacher, Kay was the one you wish your children could experience, even at 83. Our condolences to her family and may her spirit carry on.
Steve R
RIP to you and hope you and Rich are together in peace
Kay Peck
Kay was such a bright light. She had so much warmth and compassion, I’m sure she will continue to shine in those that had the pleasure to meet her.
Marnie Singleton
To the MacDuffee Family,
Sorry to hear of the loss of Kay. She was an amazing force in the community, always leading with a smile.
Marnie
Pam McGugan
Dear Misty, Jamie, Cam and Kira,
What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful mother. You have captured her boundless spirit of positivity and her passion for family and community. Condolences.
Mary Moore
Just so very sorry to hear this news! I remember that whenever Kay entered the doors at Palgrave School was a special day. Kay greeted everyone with the most beautiful smile that lit up her entire face and truly made everyone feel valued. I cannot think of Kay without seeing her magnificent smile and hearing her laughter. She laughed easily and, as your write-up says, was indeed eternally youthful. I admired Kay so much and have thought of her, and you, her wonderful family, so often throughout the years. My sympathy goes out to you all.
Mariia Kupriianova
A beautiful life well lived, and a tragic loss for Caledon. Kay’s heart has always been in the community, and her kindness has touched many lives. We are so grateful to have been a part of Kay’s story. May her memory be a blessing.
Mariia and all of us at Caledon Community Services.
Monty Laskin
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Kay’s family and friends and the hundreds of people who adored this woman for all that she gave and gave and gave. A heart of gold, passion and compassion for everything and everyone, the brightest of lights. I so appreciated the guidance that she offered me on matters of community building during my time in Caledon. Rest in peace Ms. MacDuffee
Melissa Speirs Osland
Our families connected through the Albion Bolton Student Exchange in the early 1980s. From Arctic adventures to hot air balloon treks across Australia, our families have been forever changed. Kay was my cheerleader in all things education, motherhood, and living one’s best possible life. Kay stepped up for so many people, and her legacy is to be honoured. Melissa Speirs Osland.
Deb MacDuffee
So sorry to hear about Kay. Loved her. She was amazing. Got to have lunch with her in Toronto last October. So thankful for that time with her. See you in Ontario. Lots of love cousin Deb .
Cathy Pley
When I think of Kay, I see her big smile and radiant presence. Kay was a delight to know and work with. My sincerest condolences to her family and to all her knew her.
Joanne O'Sullivan
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Sending my condolences and love to the entire MacDuffee family. I have such fond memories of your mother. May she rest in peace xo
Victoria Copeland
I remember Kay teaching, writing, sharing with such enthusiasm. She always made each day she arrived at Palgrave School brighter and her joy with life was beautiful . Remembering Kay and her joyful nature makes today brighter.
Barb Campbell
We were so fortunate to meet Kay when we came to Palgrave. She was a wonderful neighbour and inspiring friend who contributed to her community in countless ways. She truly made a difference in the world – a life very well lived.
Richard Ehrlich
We were very glad to have Kay as a patient in our practice. She always made our day with her lovely nature, perpetual youthful outlook and great sense of humour. She was also a great friend, neighbour and role model for the community. She is much missed.
Sheila Lewis
My sincere condolences to Kay’s family
I first met Kay in 1988 as we were both part of the Brenda Speirs all ladies Hot Air Balloon Team travelling across Australia
Kay the journalist and public relations and I the back up pilot. Kay and I roomed together for four weeks and the Aussie’s just loved that big smile and big heart.
When we arrived in the small towns the children would gather around her as she told them stories of where she lived.
A very kind and loving soul. I was so lucky to have had her as my room mate. I will cherish those memories
Rest in peace Kay.
Debbie Swan
So sorry to read this obituary. I’m sure Kay lives on in many memories. I met Kay while working at James Bolton P.S.. She was such a happy, loving person with the staff and children.
My condolences to all of Kay’s family and friends.
Judy Sherman
God definitely gifted us all with you Kay.
I can just imagine the joyful welcome you have received in Heaven and the positive energy you’re spreading around up there.
I am thankful Kay for the pleasure to have experienced your amazing zest for life and your unconditional love.
Judy Sherman
Patti and Len Foley
Dear Kira and family: While we have connected several times during Kay’s illness and since her passing I realized today, as I was posting my tribute to her on JSC, that I had not left word here among the condolences. I regret that, so I am here now to add my gratitude for having known your remarkable mother and call her my friend, and to add condolences from Len and I to all of your family. Kay lives on in my heart and soul. See you in September. Hugs and love!
Maxine D'Alfonso
Kay was a true ray of sunshine. She inspired people to live in joy. May her memory always be a blessing and may her light and love shine on through her family.
Maxine
Cheryl Robb
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Kay. She will be fondly remembered. My heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time.
C Scipione
She lived a perfect life, she was my favourite substitute teacher, I was so excited when I found out she was my kids as well. She will truly live on in the memories of many.
Kathy and Ross Farrelly
Ross and I had the good fortune to know Kay through Rotary and teaching. She always was friendly with great ideas to
share with her family and friends. My condolences to the family. We will remember her for her passion and positive energy. She will be missed.
tobi toenz
Kay has left such an enriched sentiment for all of the students and teachers she came across. I will miss you in the hallways and lunchrooms Kay.
Nora Martin
Kay was one of the kindest gentle ladies I have ever met. She always greeted everyone with a radiant smile and never failed to acknowledge everyone around her. It is an honour and a pleasure to know Kay and consider her a friend. She will always be remembered by so many of us, such a sad loss. My sincere condolences to her family.
D Wylie
Sorry to hear about your Mom. Was an amazing lady and her humility was incredible. Always had time for everyone.
Big hugs to your family.
Dean Wylie
Danielle Belle-Hopkins
Misty, Jamie, Cam and Kira,
I wish you my deepest sympathies. Kay meant so much to me. It’s taken me all this time to be able to share some thoughts and reach out. Got to know her at James Bolton early 90’s . She’s the substituted teacher I would book whenever I was away because my students loved her. I knew it’d be a “good” day and I’d make sure my plans involved some environmental theme. She was an exceptional non-judgemental listener. We became close friends as yoginis with Satya and yoga retreat weekends early Fall at my cottage. I will forever miss her and feel that, somehow, she’s still around with a glitter in her eyes watching over those she loved.