Katherine Jane LITTLE

Katherine ("Kathie" or "Kate" to family and close friends) passed away the morning of June 14, 2024, at home in Windsor, ON. Although her activity level had declined since she stopped driving two years ago, she was determined and very happy to stay in her home, which was the centre of her life in so many ways. Katherine was predeceased by her husband, Robert K. Little (1928 – 2012); and her parents, Blake Pierce (1902 – 2001) and Norma (Anderson) Pierce (1900 – 1982). She was the much-loved mother and grandmother of Robert B. (Debra Deane) and children, Robert M (Jana Brown), Nicholas (Laekin Anania), Jonathan and Erick (Selin Gul); Thomas (Ann Sutherland) and children, Darby (Greg Dossett) and Dawson; Susan Warnock (Steven Warnock) and children, Bridget (Andrew Filbey) and Brenna. Born in Middlesex County near London, but raised in Windsor, ON, from the time she was a toddler, Katherine's star shone bright academically, which resulted in her skipping two grades in elementary school. The summers of her youth were spent at her parents' cottage in Rondeau Provincial Park. After graduating from Walkerville Collegiate Institute (Windsor, ON) at the age of 16, Katherine attended the University of Western Ontario and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and her Registered Nurse (RN) training at Victoria Hospital (London, ON) in 1954. As is often the case, Katherine's early adult experiences proved to be some of her most memorable. As a student nurse at Victoria Hospital during the 1950s polio epidemic, Katherine learned that sometimes compassion and a hand to hold was the only thing she could offer when medical remedies failed and patients her age or younger succumbed to this terrible disease. Upon graduation, Katherine worked for three years as a V.O.N. nurse in the East End neighbourhood of Hamilton, ON. Her patients were blue-collar workers and laborers, many of whom were new Canadians with minimal English-language skills. Many of these patients sent her home after her visits with home-baked food, and always greeted her warmly upon her return. One patient, whom Katherine helped with a long and difficult home birth when the doctor did not arrive on time, named the baby girl "Katherine" after her. At the end of her time with the V.O.N in Hamilton, Katherine and her closest friend, Marg Reeve (Martin), decided to travel throughout post-war Europe and the UK together. It was quite an adventure for two young Canadian nurses who had never been away from home. Katherine loved telling of how adroitly they were able to deal with overly-friendly Italian soldiers on the trains, their not-so-graceful lefthand driving skills in the UK, and how relieved they were when Katherine's parents spontaneously met them upon the return of their ship to Montreal because they only had twenty-dollars left between them! Katherine and Marg were best friends in elementary and high school, were in the same nursing class at Western and worked together for the V.O.N. In 1956, Katherine moved to Windsor, ON, and began working as a nurse at Hiram Walker and then the Chrysler Assembly Plant. It was during this time that she met her husband-to-be, a tall, young man named Bob Little. Katherine and Bob were married June 8, 1957, in Windsor, ON, and went on to have three children. While Bob began to grow his insurance brokerage business, Katherine focused entirely on her family. During the turbulent 1960s and 1970s, she instilled a sense of fairness, equality and a commitment to helping others that she was remembered for throughout her life. In addition to being a full-time Mom, Katherine enjoyed her involvement in the I.O.D.E and the Questers Canada, and as well as singing in the choir at Riverside United Church for over 40 years. Katherine was also a lifetime member at Beach Grove Golf & Country Club, and very much enjoyed spending summers at the cottage in Morpeth, ON. Land and sea travels worldwide with Bob became an exciting part of their lives, especially in the 1990s and 2000s. Katherine had a great sense of style and elegance. Her graciousness and her ability to always have fun was remembered fondly and admired by everyone who met her. The family wants to thank Jennifer W., Stephanie, Jennifer C., Grethel, Amy and the scheduling team at Amy's Helping Hands. Their care, compassion and professionalism was wonderful, and it meant a great deal to Katherine and her family. Katherine and Bob helped many people throughout their lives and quietly donated to organizations to help make a difference in the life of others. In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcome to the any of the organizations listed below. A private family interment has been held. On Tuesday, August 13th, family and friends are invited to a celebration of Katherine's life to be held at Beach Grove Golf & Country Club (Windsor, ON) from 4 to 7 p.m. The Katherine J. Little Graduate Nursing Scholarship (Western University) The Katherine and Robert Little Scholarships in Nursing (University of Windsor) Riverside United Church Memorial Fund (Windsor, ON)