Kay (Kathleen) Maisie Washkurak
1937 – 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Kay (Kathleen) Maisie Washkurak in Waterloo on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the age of 88.
Born in Chesley, Ontario and raised in Walkerton, Kay was known from a young age for keeping her small town on its toes. Alongside her beloved brother Bob, her partner-in-mischief and best friend, she created stories and laughter that would be told for decades.
Kay built her career as a talented office manager, excelling in many disciplines, but her true gift was cultivating a work environment filled with energy and fun. She believed life—and work—should be dynamic, connected, and joyful.
Her passions were many: she loved roller skating, shopping (with a collection of candles that rivalled Yankee Candle), and most of all, being social. She never missed a good time, and her laughter was the soundtrack to countless gatherings. Kay was also an avid sports fan who proudly attended her grandchildren’s events/games and could easily be called hockey’s biggest fan.
To know Kay was to experience kindness, generosity, and fierce loyalty. She was vibrant and resilient, the life of every party, and the heart of every room.
Kay was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Washkurak, who predeceased her on May 1, 2014, after over 40 years of marriage. She was the loving mother of Joel (Lori) Washkurak and Erin (Gary) Washkurak, and the cherished Nan of Keean, Kaden, McKenna, and Kaia, all of whom she loved fiercely. She will also be remembered with love by her sisters Gwen, Sally, and Diane, her nieces Shelva and Terri, and her great-nieces Ali, Leah, and Bri, as well as many other nieces, nephews, whom she adored deeply She was predeceased by her parents James and Maisie Ebel and her brother Bob (2014).
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (or charity of choice) as expressions of sympathy.
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