Katharyn Regan RAYNER

1943 - 2023

KATHARYN REGAN RAYNER Katharyn Regan Rayner of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, passed away on January 2, 2023. Kate was born on November 27, 1943 to Martha and John Regan in Washington, D.C., US. She grew up in the D.C. area and moved to San Francisco, CA, to pursue a career in journalism working as the art/dance critic for The San Francisco Chronicle. Upon retirement, she vacationed in Oaxaca, Mexico, where she met renowned Canadian artist Gordon Rayner (1935-2010). They married and Toronto became her home, where she continued to write, and generously volunteered at the Toronto Textile Museum and the Campbell Park Free Market. Kate was a literary and art scholar with a touch of whimsy. She was a ferocious reader and patron of the arts. She would return to Oaxaca each year to escape Canadian winters, enjoy her many friends and immerse herself in Mexican arts and culture -indulging in her fondness for indigenous textiles. Kate's fierce love of animals was steadfast and heartfelt. She was a dog mom to her sweet Sandy, whom she rescued through Moosonee Puppy Rescue and also adopted a donkey named Bonita in Oaxaca. Kate was a confidante to many and will be missed for her strength, feistiness, passion, and generosity. She valued her friendships and enjoyed long conversations while sharing a glass of wine (or two). Kate's keen intellect concerning politics and art was unsurpassed. She knew the collections of the museums and galleries of her beloved Washington, D.C., like the back of her hand. Her parents and her husband, Gordon, predeceased Kate. She is survived by her sister, Marti (and brother-in-law, Joe), of Wintergreen, Virginia, her nephew, Jonathan, (and his wife, Jessie) of Tacoma, WA, and two grand-nephews, Remi and Jude, whom Kate adored. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Contributions in memory of Kate can be made to the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada.