Katherine (Kathy/Katia) left the world peacefully on Saturday, January 8, 2022, age 74.
She was truly loved and will be missed by stepson Stefan; grandchildren Reed and Kali; beloved sister Maureen; brother-in-law Allan; nieces Susan (Mark), Allana (Liam) and Jennifer; great-niece Stephanie (Trevor); great-great-nieces Sadie and Brooklyn; great-nephews Patrick (Nicole) and Quinn; and many cherished cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Otakar Pavlik; parents Eric and Eileen (McConnell) Roos; and many dear aunts and uncles.
Katherine lived her life with courage, grace, kindness, empathy and respect toward others and a creative, open mind. She was a loving friend and mentor to us all. A life-long learner, she earned a degree in religion and culture, studied communications, marketing, plain language writing, literature, art and music (flute). Late in her life she returned to university and became certified as a Teacher of English as a second language. She travelled to many countries on her own, with Otakar, and with family and friends, always exploring, always learning and always having fun.
Katherine believed that hard work was its own reward. She enjoyed a long and productive career with the Manitoba Museum, retiring as Director of Marketing. She said that being part of a creative multi-disciplinary team was a privilege and a joy. Many friendships and associations were established in these years that remained to the end. She continued working after retirement contributing to the Canadian Cancer Society, Literacy Manitoba and many newcomer serving organizations, where she produced functional plain language publications for English learners. She taught ESL in the classroom and as a tutor with the Immigrant Centre. Here she said, she learned more from her students than she could possibly teach. Her community work included volunteering for Cancer Care Manitoba and Palliative Care Manitoba.
Katherine wanted us to thank her medical team at HSC and Cancer Care for their amazing expertise and caring.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held, however, the family will announce a celebration of Kathy’s life at a later date.
She wished to be remembered with affection and love by those who knew her. If friends so wish, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation or a charity of choice.
