Katherine Haveman

June 19, 1950 - March 22, 2023
In loving memory ~
Kathy passed away peacefully, in the presence of her family, after a brave and courageous battle with cancer.
Kathy had a beautiful spirit and an undeniable magnetic presence. She will always be remembered as a giving and generous woman filled with light, and life, and love. She epitomized strength, loyalty, and kindness. Always the optimist, every morning was a new day and a new opportunity for Kathy to explore, discover, and appreciate what the world had to offer. With friends, family, her garden and a good cup of tea, Kathy was content and grateful.
Born in Abbotsford, BC, Kathy grew up the eldest of twelve children on the Zomar family farm. Here she developed a love for animals, the soil, cooking, and caring for others. While most of her time was spent supporting the homestead, Kathy always spoke fondly of these early years. She cherished learning from her devoted mother and growing up with her beloved siblings and relatives. She was thankful that this upbringing instilled in her a love and commitment to family, a fierce will, and an unwavering, deep conviction.
As a young woman, Kathy met Gerry Haveman, her true love. They soon moved to 100 Mile House, where they lived out their days in happiness. Kathy embraced the cold winters and warm summers and enjoyed the peaceful lifestyle the area had to offer her family. The outdoor activities abounded - Kathy could fish, camp, hunt, garden, and spend long days at the lake.
Kathy wore many hats in her professional life, including working at the Red Coach Bakery where her talent for baking really shined. Being so artistic and with an eye for detail, she became a pro cake decorator, a gratifying role that never seemed like a job to her.
Kathy also supported Gerry as building manager of Pioneer Haven. This was right up her alley as she had remarkable organizational skills and she loved visiting with all the tenants. This soon led to what would become Kathy's favourite role - providing support to seniors and others who needed assistance with their homes, yards, and errands. Kathy was dedicated to this work, and it allowed her to bring beauty to all the properties she worked on. Kathy cultivated many lifelong, close friendships with her clients.
Perhaps one of the most challenging roles of all, and one that tested her commitment and strength, was Kathy's decades long dedication to being Gerry's home caregiver. Through all this time, Kathy kept her head held high and loved her husband. As time went on, she was able to carve out important time for herself and she began to travel more to visit family and friends in BC and Canada and abroad- to Europe, China, and the USA. These experiences brought Kathy immense joy and gave her memories to cherish.
During all this time, for over 30 years, Kathy worked tirelessly as a volunteer for the 100 Mile Food Bank. She took great pride in supporting the community.
She also took on the role of Girl Guide leader and was an active member of the Minor Hockey Association. Once fully retired, Kathy began to spend more days relaxing at home with Gerry, spending time in her beautiful yard, and watching her favourite old TV shows. She loved to play cards and go for dinners and walks with dear friends. Kathy continued to make time and fun for her grandchildren and was a constant support and presence for all those close to her heart.
Kathy's memory will forever be treasured by her children: Kim (Rob), Chris (Marnie), and Eve, as well as her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, friends, and acquaintances. Kathy was predeceased by her husband, Gerry, her daughter, Corinna, and her sister, Rosemary.
The Haveman family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Patel and Dr. Montgomery, as well the many nurses, health care teams, pharmacists, and spiritual care providers in the community who supported Kathy during her illness.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 27 from 1-4 pm at the Cariboo Christian Life Fellowship Church in the 108 Mile Ranch.
In Kathy's memory, monetary donations can be made to the Fischer Place Palliative Care Unit.