Passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 14, 2024, in her adopted home of Sidney BC surrounded by the love of her children, grandchildren and extended family. Kay was 92.
Kay was born in the Village of Calbost, Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. She met her then husband (John Wills) in London England. Kay and John emigrated to Canada in the late 1950s, and they settled in Guelph, where they raised their three children (Carin, Suzi and Jamie).
Kay possessed immense intellect, backstopped by endless energy and multi-tasking skills. For the majority of her professional career, Kay worked at the University of Guelph (UofG), as the Executive Secretary for the VP Administration. While working full-time, she completed her B.A. in languages (Spanish) graduating with honors. She was accepted into the Masters program (English), but her busy schedule precluded Kay from completing it. She remained a voracious reader all of her life and instilled that love of literature in her kids.
During her professional career, Kay somehow managed to find time to knit and sew outfits for her children. She was also an instinctive cook, producing unique and amazing dishes, all with healthy, non-processed ingredients, long before such trends became popular.
Kay was incredibly loving, caring, supportive and loyal, and she was an incredible Mum to her kids, who were her pride and joy. With no other family in Canada, Kay’s extended family quickly became like-minded individuals that she met at UofG. Her dinner parties were legendary, and the Suffolk Street house became like the UN, as her close friends were from all over the world.
Being from the Hebrides, she always loved the ocean and walking on beaches. As such, later in life, she was very happy to move to Vancouver Island, where she could once again be near the ocean.
Kay’s legacy is love, support and compassion - which she played forward all of her life. Kay is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and their families. Our family will hold a private celebration of life on Vancouver Island, where some of her ashes will be placed.
Some ashes will be united with her family in Scotland.
Arrangements entrusted to Brombal Funeral Home