Kathleen Pederson

Kathleen `Kay' Pederson Kathleen (Kay) Pederson passed away on April 20, 2010 at the age of 89. She had been living at M and M Care Home since January 2010. Kathleen Dawson Wilkinson was born in Lancaster, England on March 12, 1921. She trained as a speech pathologist in England, graduating in 1942, and began her career. She met RCAF Flying Officer Martin Pederson at Christmastime 1942, and they were married in November 1943. Their son David was born at Kendal in October 1944. Martin returned to Canada in the spring of 1945 and bought a farm Northeast of Hawarden. Kay and David sailed to Halifax in February 1946, and took the train to their new home. She sustained severe frostbite to her legs while walking home after their truck stopped in a blizzard in late 1946. She spent several months in Saskatoon City Hospital, giving birth to their daughter Gayle in January 1947 and then enduring many rounds of painful skin grafting. The family remained in Saskatoon, moving into their home on 9th Avenue in 1950, where she lived continuously until January 2010. Kay worked as a speech therapist for Saskatchewan Council for Crippled Children and Adults, and at the McNeil Clinic until the late 1950s. She was out of the workforce for the duration of Martin's political career and started work for the Saskatoon Public School Board in the late 1960s. She made many lifelong friends through her work, politics, and numerous charitable organizations. She was very involved with IODE as Regent and Provincial President, was a key player in the beginnings of Saskatoon United Way, was involved with the Elks in raising funds for cochlear implants, and served on the SALPN Board. Kay has been known for her indomitable spirit, great sense of humour, and her kindness, generosity, and sense of humanity. She has been greatly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Kay is survived by her children, David (Elaine) Pederson of Hawarden, and Gayle (Rick) Cook of Saskatoon; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren, Susan Pederson (John and Lucy), Sandra (James Morse) Pederson, Jennifer Pederson, Lee Ann (Joe) Carmon (Cody, Ashlee, and Jesse), Holly (David) Payne (Amanda), and Jody (Valentina) Cook. She is also survived by a niece, Jane (Merv) Burrows of Dukinfield, England. She was predeceased by her husband, Martin in 2001; her only brother, Tom Wilkinson; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and nephews and nieces. A service of remembrance will be held Monday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Park Funeral Chapel, 311 3rd Ave. N., Saskatoon. Interment will be held in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Kay's memory to Saskatoon United Way, Canadian Red Cross, Saskatoon Friendship Inn, or a charity of your choice. To sign the online book of condolences visit www.parkfuneral.ca . Arrangements entrusted to Lynn Constantinoff, PARK FUNERAL CHAPEL ( 306.244.2103 ).