Katherine (Kay) Wilma Lee (née Gohl)
July 22, 1924 to August 11, 2017

Kay died peacefully in the early hours of August 11, three weeks after her ninety-third birthday. She is survived by daughters Barbara (John) Robertson, and Kathy; son Garfield (Marianne); grandchildren Christina, Jacqueline (Drew), Duncan, Cameron (Morgan), Jonathan and Geoff (Candace); great grandchildren Sophia, Joshua, Noah, Chloe, Bryelle and Daniel; brother Ron Gohl; sister-in-law Jean Lee; and many relatives and friends.

Kay was predeceased by her husband Archie in 1974; parents Elijah and Philippa Gohl; brother Flight Lieutenant James Gohl in 1944; brother Alvin Gohl; sisters Gwen Goodman and Muriel Wyman.

Kay lived a full and rich life. She pursued many passions: travel, golf, reading, bridge, theatre, ballet, opera, the symphony, and the piano, which she was playing days before her stroke on August 5.

Katherine was born in Roland, MB, near the Wilton and Graham family homesteads. Kay’s family moved to Boissevain in 1927, but Kay often spent summers on the family farms. She had fond memories of time spent with cousins, aunts, and uncles, and playing from Seth Parker’s hymnal on the piano in her grandmother’s parlour.




After graduating from United College, Katherine - now Kay - taught high school in Manitou, MB; and Mount Forest, ON. In the early 1950s she taught at a private girl’s school in England (which she credited for her excellent posture). Her adventures that year included cycling hills in Scotland - with no gears - and attending a live production of Antony and Cleopatra in London - starring Laurence Oliver and Vivien Leigh.

Returning to Winnipeg, Kay taught at Laura Secord School, where she met Archie. They married in 1956 and settled in Crescentwood. They summered at Florence Lake in the Whiteshell and built a cottage in 1962, making lifelong memories and friends.

In 1976, Kay and the children spent a sabbatical year in France, and toured during school breaks. After retirement she travelled (often with golf clubs). She toured Europe with her sisters, South Africa with brother Ron, and made lasting friendships on tours to Spain, Greece, the Galapagos, Thailand, and Australia. She continued to play the piano, keep up with her growing grandchildren, and enjoy the cottage.

Kay always made people welcome in her home and was loyal and supportive to friends and family. She lived in the same house for almost 60 years - she was living there independently until January. She was making friends right up to the end, proudly introducing her visiting grandchildren to her housemates at the Rosewood.

The family would like to thank staff at the Rosewood for making Kay feel at home during the last six months. They would also like to thank Dr Olson, Dr Dillon and the staff of the Victoria General Hospital for their expertise and compassion in her final days. A service will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2 pm at Westminster United Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to an arts organization or charity of your choice.