Katherine Andrews

Katherine Andrews was a strong woman, loving wife, and proud mother. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Monday, March 30, 2015 at the age of 93. Predeceased by her beloved husband Melvin Andrews (1973). Honoured mother of Roberta and Peter Ainley, Susan and Stan Wright, Carol and Cliff Nichol, Deborah and Keith Barber, Steve and Lydia Andrews, Richard and Darlene Andrews, and Ginny and Brent Pearson. Cherished grandmother to Jonathan and Kelley Ainley, Justin Ainley, Shannon and Brian Smith, Jason Wright, Miranda and Ryan McKenna, Pam Nichol, Byron Nichol, Matthew and Jen Nichol, Stephanie Andrews, Jessica Andrews, Danielle Pearson, and Dane Pearson. Loved great-grandmother to Alexander and Olivia Ainley, Scarlett, Selena and Bishop Smith, and Hayden and Gwynne McKenna.
Katherine had a flair for the dramatic – always dressed to the nines, hair in curls, and makeup done to perfection. She was never without a snazzy accessory and her favourite stilettos. From a young age Katherine had a passion for driving. At 16, her father told her, “If you can back the car out of our narrow laneway you can drive it.” She succeeded and prided herself on driving accident free for the next 70 years.
Katherine and Mel grew up across the street from each other in Toronto’s Danforth neighbourhood. Katherine and Mel fell in love and married in 1942 just before Mel was sent overseas to serve in WW2. Mel returned in 1945 and together they built a loving family.
To her children, she was a hero. She was dependable and compassionate; always there for anyone who needed help. She filled her home with unforgettable smells of freshly baked treats and tunes of her favourite singer Frank Sinatra. Katherine had a love for animals, especially dogs and horses, and had a talent for teaching her pet budgies to say “pretty boy”. She always shed a tear at the end of her adored Old Yeller or Black Stallion films. As a family they created lasting memories filled with love and laughter.
Katherine was respected and admired by all her grandchildren. She will be remembered by the smell of peach potpourri that always encompassed her apartment, trips in her big red station wagon to the mall, her collection of ceramic elephants, her cowboy films, and the dreaded wooden spoon that lingered in her handbag.
Katherine lived her life with honor and conviction, and was an inspiration to those around her. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength and perseverance, and a loving family.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Ward Funeral Home 109 Reynolds Street, Oakville, L6J 3K4 on Saturday April 18, 2015 at 1 p.m., with a reception to follow. Memorial donations can be made to Alzheimer Society Canada.
http://www.alzheimer.ca/en