Kathleen (“Kitty”) Margot Kiar, a resident of Chatham and formerly of Dresden, ON, Bainsville, ON, Shawinigan, QC and Saint John NB, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Copper Terrace Long Term Care in Chatham at the age of 97. Born in Saint John, NB, the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Ann (Smith) McMenamon. Beloved wife of the late Ole Kiar (2016). Loving mother of Wendy Kiar, Stuart Kiar (Katherine) and Ian Kiar (Stephanie Shinkoda). Proud grandmother of Alexander Kiar (Elizabeth), Kazu Kiar, and Elsa Kiar. Predeceased by her son Peter (1995), siblings William Kermack McMenamon (Kay), Mary Marshall (Hal), Patrick McMenamon (Carm), James McMenamon (Catherine), Rosemarie Marchant-Smith (John Harry) and Edwin McMenamon, and by brother-in-law Palle Kiar (Marie), sister-in-law Bitten Thompson (Allan) and sister-in-law Liane Smith (Gerry). Survived by sister-in-law Marie Kiar, and many nieces and nephews. The family thanks the staff at Copper Terrace and Norine Langeveld for their kind and compassionate care.
A graduate of Mount Allison University, Kitty began her working life as a teacher and it was with her second posting in Shawinigan, Quebec, that she met her life-long partner, Ole. Kitty was an incredibly active member of the Shawinigan and Shawinigan High School communities, including directing many choirs, musicals, and dramatic productions. With a progressive social conscience well ahead of her time,
Kitty took a keen interest in politics and current affairs and was an avid reader up until the last few months of her life. She played tennis until she was almost 90 and scrabble and bridge into her 90s. An accomplished musician, she played the organ and piano and mastered the flute in her senior years. Her Christmas baking and Kitty rolls were loved by all who had the good fortune to enjoy them. Kitty’s presence and energy will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege to know her. It is difficult to imagine a world without her.
Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service celebrating Kitty’s Life will be held in the chapel of the funeral home on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Refreshments to follow in the reception room of the funeral home. Interment at a later date. If desired, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www.badderfuneralhome.com.