Heather Marilynn Kay
Dec. 25, 1945 – Apr. 19, 2023
We are very saddened to announce that Heather Marilynn Kay died on April 19, 2023 after defying the odds of glioblastoma (brain cancer) for over four years.
Heather was born on Christmas Day, 1945 in Westmount, Montreal to the late Hugh and Ruth (nee Cayford) Kay. In 1947, she became a big sister to the late John Kay. In the early 50s the family moved to Toronto, with Heather spending magical childhood summers at the family Nordcrag cottage in the Laurentians.
Heather completed a bachelor’s degree in economics at Queen’s University, and later gained her teaching certificate at the University of Manitoba. During a posting to Victoria, she and Bill Aikman welcomed two daughters, first Sarah (Aikman) and then Jennie (Aikman) one year later. Following that, the family moved to Ottawa where Heather kindled ties to life-long friends.
The family spent three years in Belgium where Heather nurtured her passion for horses, teaching, and travel. Back in Ottawa, Heather pursued a career in the insurance sector, following in the steps of her beloved father to achieve her insurance fellowship (FCIP) while working for The Cooperators.
After retiring in 2009, Heather made the move west to BC with her much-adored cat Zak along for the journey. Once there, she fell in love with Gabriola Island and quickly established deep roots in the community, making rich friendships and contributing her time to SAGA, Friends of the Library, GaLLT, and many others.
Heather was a devoted and loving mother to Sarah and Jennie, dearest mother-in-law to Chinelo Furlow and Neil Alderson, and cherished “Heddy” to her beloved grandchildren, George and Daisy Maeve Alderson.
Heather was also a loyal and dedicated friend to many dear ones near and far.
She will be remembered as a loving friend, a caregiver to many a rescued pet, a gardener, scotch appreciator, the “hostess with the mostess”, worldwide traveler, and as a strong woman who was independent, vivacious, generous, open-minded, opinionated, and always full of ideas.
She will be deeply missed.
Please join us to celebrate her life on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at the Gabriola Community Hall from 2pm-4pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the BC SPCA in Heather’s honour.
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