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Kathy Heffernan

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KATHLEEN (KATHY) ANNE HEFFERNAN

August 7, 1961 – January 13, 2026

At the end of a lengthy road with illness, Kathy passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. Her warmth, humour, strength and grace throughout life were a guiding light for her family and all who knew her.


Devastated by her loss are her children, Aidan (Lauren), Callum and Devyn; along with her husband, partner and best friend, Andrew Smith. Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Bernie and Alice Heffernan; and her infant daughter Emily.


Kathy was born and raised in Toronto, making lifelong friends from kindergarten all the way through high school. She was the adventurous youngest child of five, Dianne, Carl, Peter and Susan. Glorious summers were spent with family and friends, swimming, fishing, waterskiing and just hanging out at the family cottage on Rice Lake.


Between third and fourth year of university, she moved out to Banff, Alberta for a summer job, staying with good friends. There she met Andrew and there they fell in love. A year later they were cycling Australia and New Zealand, living in a small tent for six months, learning to live together and falling more deeply in love.


Kathy moved to Winnipeg and started a successful career in consulting and management in Market Research culminating with the creation of her own business.


Next came kids, the light of her life. Words simply cannot describe the love, devotion, commitment and caring every day. And she made it look effortless.


Over the years, Kathy was out every day with our dogs, walking around the neighbourhood or along the paths and beaches of Victoria Beach.


Whether working, parenting or volunteering, there was always a smile on her face and time for a friendly chat. The world will miss her.


Thanks to the wonderful care and compassion from the Home Care workers attending our home every day, theirs was the work of the angels, the Palliative Care Team and the doctors and staff at Cancer Care Manitoba.


In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba or the Winnipeg Humane Society.


Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10th, at First Unitarian Church, 603 Wellington Crescent.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Melody and Steve

February 20, 2026 at 10:03 PM

Kathy was a light. I got to know her as "Kathy Callum's Mom" because there was another Kathy in the Laura Secord multi-aged class that our kids shared. So Kathy was always identified with Callum in our househol.d! We have lived on the same street for a couple of decades now, raising kids and walking dogs, and chatting now and then about neighborhood stuff. Always kind with a ready smile, open and curious, Cathy made the world a better place. I am so grateful she was part of mine in the gentle neigbourly way that she was. She will be very missed. Andrew, we offer our deepest condolenses to you and your family.

with love from Melody and Steve (Haley and Adam's parents)

Eleanor, Lu and Lisa (again)

February 10, 2026 at 10:01 PM

Thanks for having us <3 We love you all and are thinking of you!

Alessia

February 10, 2026 at 2:22 PM

My deepest condolences to you Devyn, your Dad, Andrew, and your brothers, Aidan and Callum. Your mom had a heart of gold and a beautiful smile that will live within you, in your memories and your heart forever. She will forever watch over you and be your guardian angel. ❤️ Sending you all a warm hug, thoughts and comfort.

Love,

Alessia & Family

 

Art and Kim White

February 10, 2026 at 9:34 AM

Andrew

Our deepest condolences to you, Aidan, Callum and Devyn. Kathy was a wonderful woman who was generous with both her time and her compassion and that made new acquaintances feel like old friends. She had a sense of calm that put everyone around her at ease. It was a marvellous gift.

We are remembering Kathy and all the fun times we

had at Rice Lake. We have a lifetime of cherished memories to help numb our grief because when someone lives on in our memories they'll never truly be gone.

Wishing you peace.

Love Art and Kim.

Joanne Gibson

February 10, 2026 at 9:12 AM

A truly beautiful lady who will be so dearly missed by those of us who were privileged to know her.

Lisa Heffelfinger

February 9, 2026 at 7:33 PM

Here are some of the things that I remember about Kathy.

 

She was the kindest gentlest, most welcoming soul. She was always ready to give a helping hand, bring soup or an appetizer or two, or to help with a medical emergency.

I remember the time that Lucia fell and hit her head and Kathy was there on the phone early in the morning, in the cottage helping Lucia and then waving down an ambulance, and sending her food when she got back from the hospital.

 

Kath loved De Luca’s and always had delicious Italian delights on hand. Pizza dough or deli salami and cheeses, that woman knew how to feed a crowd!

 

Kath was famous for her chocolate banana cake. We are all going to miss that treat in our dinner tables.

 

You could always count on Kath for a good long talk on the beach, books, alternative medicine, politics, the latest thing on Netflix, her kids…

She loved her family, including her dogs, whole heartedly.

 

I remember after taking Luna for her first (and last) 5 k Walk. Right afterwards, Kathy arrived on my doorstep with doggy nail clippers and sat down and taught me how to clip Luna’s nails.

 

She hated that red vine- like weed? Remember during the last few summers how she spent so much time pulling it up?

 

I’ll miss her.

 

You all will miss her.

 

My heart is with all of you who loved her, Kaths friends and family, during this time of change and transition.

Frank

February 2, 2026 at 11:17 AM

Very sorry to hear about your loss Andrew. It was a long time ago I met Kathy,around the time you two were new to each other and I was over at the famous Smith cottage. However my memories are still with me when it is to do with good people. After reading this obit I know you and your family will hve many happy memories.

Susan Morris

January 29, 2026 at 2:46 PM

Dear Andrew, Aidan, Lauren, Callum and Devyn,

 

There will never be anyone quite like Kathy, she was such an important part of our lives. She was strong, brave, courageous, smart, kind, loving and funny - Kathy left a lasting impact on all of us. There are no words to express our profound sadness.

 

We are grateful to you and for all the memories we share and cherish. She is loved and will always be in our hearts.

 

Love always,

Susan, Gord, Kyle and Sarah

Wanda Guenther

January 29, 2026 at 11:18 AM

Our condolences to Andrew and family.

We always remember our little chats on the street when she was dog walking. So sorry for your loss.

Trevor De Ryck and Charlotte Martens

January 28, 2026 at 9:09 PM

Sending our sympathy to Andrew and family. We saw Kathy regularly on her walks with Ellie. She always took the time to stop and chat. Our neighbourhood will not be the same without her!

Dianne

January 26, 2026 at 8:04 PM

Dear Andrew, Aidan, Lauren, Callum and Devyn, words cannot express how sad we are for your profound loss.

Kathy was an incredibly kind, caring and loving person; her beautiful spirit will easily live on through the many lives she touched.

A cherished sister, aunt and great aunt who will always be loved and missed; she will be in our hearts forever.

Love always,

Dianne, Matt, Erin, Briar and Emmett

Kelly Ross

January 26, 2026 at 4:04 PM

Kathy was a solid human being, always had such a warm smile and had time always to listen and time to chat. My deepest condolences to Andrew and family.

Dan Braker

January 26, 2026 at 3:59 PM

Kathy was my first boss in market research. I learned a lot from her and she was always very kind and patient with me as I fumbled my way through the early days of my career. I hadn't spoken with her in many years but I have many great memories of working with her and getting to know her. It's very sad to hear the news. Sending my deepest condolences to her family.

Linda and Stephen Murphy

January 25, 2026 at 12:51 PM

We appreciated her friendship as Woleselyites sharing - soccer games and elementary school with their kids. She listened empathically making you feel heard. Condolences to all the family.

Deenie

January 24, 2026 at 8:27 PM

Sending my deepest sympathy to all of the family. Kathy was a wonderful mom and an amazing support as a parent volunteer in my Kindergarten classroom. She was kind and caring and always willing to help in any way possible. She will be missed.

Kim McDonald

January 24, 2026 at 5:41 PM

Oh Andrew, how I recall with fondness our days at Children's Home back in the mid 1980's.

 

It's how I first met Kathy during our ride sharing days. She was full of warmth - like a ray of sunshine.

 

You had such a solid partnership - followed up with a solid family life.

 

Exemplars of deep love...

 

May you all rest easy now ❤️

Jan Devenney

January 24, 2026 at 5:10 PM

I worked with Kathy some years ago and she was one of the most genuine people I've ever known. I remember her smile, her laugh and her lovely personality. We had many great conversations about our kids.

Sincere condolences to Andrew and the kids.

David Lampert

January 24, 2026 at 12:55 PM

My Condolences to the family I have many fond memories from my time as a neighbour on Ruby Street.

Paul and Connie Rice

January 24, 2026 at 12:21 PM

Sincere condolences to Kathy's family. Kathy always had time for an over the fence chat with her neighbours. So sorry for your loss. Paul and Connie Rice, neighbours

Dale, Sandy and Lee Walker

January 24, 2026 at 11:54 AM

Such a loss for all who knew her. Kathy's beautiful smile and calm demeanour made every water polo adventure better. She will be missed.

Mag Burns

January 24, 2026 at 10:01 AM

Lovely tribute.

I worked with Kathy many years ago and remember her fondly for her solid character and true friendliness. She was such a delighted young mother.

Condolences to Andrew and family.

Mag Burns (former colleague)

Suzanne Paintin

January 24, 2026 at 9:31 AM

Our sincere condolences to Andrew and family. It was always a pleasure to see Kathy walking the dog with a smile on her face and time to chat with us.

Suzanne and Rick Paintin (neighbors)

Andrea Nowosad

January 24, 2026 at 9:22 AM

Such a lovely tribute to a lovely soul. I am so grateful for having shared so many of life's precious times with Kathy.

Shall be missed.

Sincere condolences to the family.

Colin and Alice Russell

January 24, 2026 at 9:16 AM

So sorry to hear this. Always enjoyed our chats with Kathy on the avenues. Sincere condolences and lots of love to Andrew and the family.

Kathy mcKibbin

January 24, 2026 at 8:53 AM

Oh my, Kathy was so brave for so long. My sincere condolences to you all. Love

 

Anita Gubbels Alan Adamson

January 24, 2026 at 6:21 AM

Kathy was a beautiful person. We are so sorry for your loss.

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