19 messages received
Michael & Shirley Brackenbury
Dear Michael and Shirley,
My memories of Kathy have been tumbling into focus since hearing about her passing.
It's been quite a few years since laughing with her (at Heather's wedding, I believe).
At this time, my deep sympathies go to you both. Mike, who would have ever thought family events would have unfolded this way? And I'm sure you both have long been concerned for Kathy's welfare.
Hopefully, and I didn't know Kath well enough, she enjoyed a rich, creative life despite physical setbacks. I do know that she worked hard, positively influenced her students, and no doubt her family. She will be missed.
Hugs to you both,
Joan Imrie
Imrie, August 17, 2019
Simon & family
I don't have enough words to express my sorrow at your loss but my heart is broken for you. Kathy has been my close friend for 59 years and we shared many milestones together. One of the most significant of these was your birth Simon. From that day forward, Kathy loved you fiercely and was so proud of you (and Jo too). She talked about you often and, in recent times, was grateful for your support and love. Kathy will live on in our hearts. Please extend my sympathy to Jon and his family and tell Jon I saw a dragonfly on Tuesday after you and I spoke. I have hardly ever seen one around here and it made me think of Kathy. I miss Kath very much but smile at the many memories we shared. Pleae let me know if I can do anything; I am just a click or a phone call away. love always, Pat
Patricia Spadafora, August 17, 2019
Simon
My wife and I were sad to hear of your great loss of a GREAT MOTHER. You are my (BB) brother and boss.I feel for you my dear and you know I will always love you in life or death in a natural way God created humanity.Silly Canadians will think of a different love....you know what I mean. Let Kathy our mother your dear mother RIP in the name of our Lord.Be very strong time is a great healer. Our sympathies to you from your African brother. Francis and Florence.
Francis and Florence Atanya, August 17, 2019
Simon and Michael
I never met Kathy but I know she was dear to your hearts.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Carolyn Andrews
Carolyn Andrews, August 17, 2019
the family of Kathy Brackenbury,
My sympathy to you. I taught with Kathy at Mutchmor. I remember her easy smile and
her dedication to her students.
Marjorie Leach
Marjorie Leach, August 17, 2019
Micheal and Shirley
So sorry to hear of your loss. I taught with Kathy at Mutchmor school for a couple of years and she was always so warm and supportive.
Shirley, you taught my daughter, Laura for a term in grade six at Broadview school many moons ago and she has fond memories of you.
I will remember Kathy’s humour and dedication to her students.
Sincerely,
Moira Davis
Moira Davis, August 17, 2019
Simon Bell
to Simon:
When you lose someone you love,
Your life becomes strange,
The ground beneath you becomes fragile,
Your thoughts make your eyes unsure;
And some dead echo drags your voice down
Where words have no confidence
Your heart has grown heavy with loss;
And though this loss has wounded others too,
No one knows what has been taken from you
When the silence of absence deepens.
Flickers of guilt kindle regret
For all that was left unsaid or undone.
There are days when you wake up happy;
Again inside the fullness of life,
Until the moment breaks
And you are thrown back
Onto the black tide of loss.
Days when you have your heart back,
You are able to function well
Until in the middle of work or encounter,
Suddenly with no warning,
You are ambushed by grief.
It becomes hard to trust yourself.
All you can depend on now is that
Sorrow will remain faithful to itself.
More than you, it knows its way
And will find the right time
To pull and pull the rope of grief
Until that coiled hill of tears
Has reduced to its last drop.
Gradually, you will learn acquaintance
With the invisible form of your departed;
And when the work of grief is done,
The wound of loss will heal
And you will have learned
To wean your eyes
From that gap in the air
And be able to enter the hearth
In your soul where your loved one
Has awaited your return
All the time.
John O'Donohue
Anne Bell, August 17, 2019
Simon and Jon
Dear Simon and Jon, I’m one of your Mom’s friends from high school. Kath, Pat (Spadafora), Diana (Taynen), Lynda Lackey and I were a close knit little gang of nerdy girls who stayed together through high school and got together later when we could. When I say nerdy, I mean we weren’t the cool kids. We were the kids who went door to door soliciting donations to the Canadian Cancer Society and other organizations that your grandmother was involved with. We also volunteered on Saturdays at the Rideau Regional Hospital School in Smiths Falls. We had crazy pajama parties and sang and danced in the downtown streets of Ottawa after seeing West Side Story (sorry Pat, I had to). We screamed at live shows like Roy Orbison and the Beach Boys. I’m sure your uncle Michael was embarrassed to acknowledge us. Friends from high school have a place in your heart like no other. Though we were in vastly different parts of the country for most of our adult lives, we could meet for dinner and laugh and understand each other so well. Kath was so unlucky with her health for such a long time. I loved her very much and will choose to remember our goofy teenage exploits. My best to you both and your families as you grieve.
Sandy Kusugak, August 18, 2019
Michael and Shirley and Brackenbury family
Dear Mike and Shirley:
I am so saddened to read of Kathy's death. She will be missed. Kathy was well recognized as a dedicated and caring educator.
Please extend my sympathy to her sons.
Fondly,
Margaret
Margaret Dempsey, August 19, 2019
Kathryn Brackenbury
Our most sincere feelings of sorrow are sent in the loss of Kathryn.
Our prayers and our loving thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
I knew Kathy and her brother Mike and sister-in-law Shirley as fellow teachers.
Kathy will be sadly missed.
Barclay and Marilyn Biggs
Barclay Biggs, August 19, 2019
Simon Bell
My sincere condolences, to you Simon and your family, on the passing of your mother. Hold on to the precious memories, and the support of family and friends. Sincerely, Joy Whittle, PFC Volunteer
Joy Whittle, August 20, 2019
Simon Brackenbury and Jo Moffat
Our very sincere sympathies for your loss.
Heather and Gary Cohen, and Annie, August 25, 2019
Simon and Jo
Forget to mention that we made a donation to the Headache Society in Kathryn’s memory. Best wishes.
Heather and Gary Cohen, and Annie , August 25, 2019
Simon Bell
Dear Simon,
Please accept my sincere condolences on your Mom's passing. She was such a wonderful, sweet person. I worked with her for so may years at Mutchmor. She was a dedicated teacher, always thinking of the child and parents first. We have kept in touch since retirement, never enough time however. She wrote me the most beautiful note when my son Rick died in April.
I'm sure her passing leaves a huge hole in your life.
I know you have so many happy memories to comfort you as you move forward. She was so proud of you. Her love for you was always part of our conversations. I remember you fondly as the dear boy I had in my class so many years ago.
Know that you are in my thoughts Simon. God bless.
Mary Sproule
Mary Sproule, August 26, 2019
Mike & Shirley
Sorry to hear of your sister's passing. Hope you and your family are doing fine.
Love - Carol and Bryan
Bryan and Carol Lapeer, August 28, 2019
Simon, Michael
Sorry to be missing the celebration of Life of Kathy...she was a wonderful person. Unfortunately again like with Gavin I will be in France (Sept 15)..Take care Simon and any time you are in Deep River do not hesitate to get in touch
Sincerely
David R
David Sutherland Rogers , September 7, 2019
Simon, Michael
Sorry to be missing the celebration of Life of Kathy...she was a wonderful person. Unfortunately again like with Gavin I will be in France (Sept 15)..Take care Simon and any time you are in Deep River do not hesitate to get in touch. Again condolences
Sincerely
David R
David Sutherland Rogers , September 7, 2019
Simon and Jo
Dearest Simon,
I did not know your mom, but I just know from the way you spoke about her she was an amazing woman. From the messages of condolence that I have read from her friends, she was a great person to be admired. Simon, you are a kind and compassionate, wear your heart on your sleeve, amazing person. The apple does not fall too far from the tree. I can not imagine what you are going through, but I do know you are loved so much by your friends, family and your work family.
I am sending love because more words are just never enough.
Sue Hall, September 8, 2019
Simon and Mike
Your call about Kathy's passing, Simon, was such a shock! I appreciate you reaching out.
Since then memories of times spent with her have crowded my thoughts. We spent many years as educational colleagues and friends. We laughed a lot and also shed a few tears together. We travelled together, shared our house and spoke of love of family and futures unknown. Last month we talked for hours on the phone, I wish I had been closer so I could have seen her. She loved her family, especially her boys, loved dogs and doing things for others. As I am unpacking in our new home, I placed two gifts from her in a place in the kitchen where I see them everyday and think of her and of you missing her. May she be free of pain and resting in peace.
We send our warmest thoughts to you both.
Hugs, Valerie, Terry and Leslie McKay
Valerie McKay, September 9, 2019
