Kathleen (Kay) Isely (Wilson)
Kay passed away peacefully at the North Vancouver North Shore Hospice on January 28th, 2022. She was surrounded by her 4 daughters and their families.
Kay is survived by her daughters Sherry Isely (Brian Reed), Cheryl Robertson, Dawn (Chico) Gramigni and Heather (Grant) Daoust; grandchildren Graeme and Errol Reed, Carly Robertson (Patrick Milligan), Lewis Robertson and Lauren Daoust; great grandchildren Hailey Reed-Nolan and Kevin Milligan.
Kay is also survived by her sisters Dorothy McCullough and Marlene Jerred, and her brother Gerry Wilson.
Kay was born in Moose Jaw on September 23, 1932 to parents James and Mae Wilson. She grew up there with her 5 surviving siblings where she taught dancing at the Wilson Dance Studio for many years. She met Reymoure (Rey) Isely who was working at CHAB. They were married in 1952 and after living in both Winnipeg and Port Arthur (Thunder Bay) moved to Conquest, Sk. where they raised their girls on the farm.
Kay was an extremely talented woman. She played the piano, sang, taught dancing to both young and old, gardened, curled, sewed, taught Chinese cooking classes, and owned a lady’s clothing store. She had so much fun doing all of these things and did each of them with talent and creativity. During her time as a business owner, she served as President of the Outlook, Sk. Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in hosting Outlook’s first rodeo in many years, as well as community events such as a parade and trade show.
It’s hard to speak of Kay without Rey. They were extremely active in the Saskatoon Jazz Society and became patrons supporting new and upcoming musicians. Rey and Kay shared their musical talents with the surrounding communities singing and playing for dances with Kay on piano, Rey playing saxophone and their son-in-law Kevin on bass. They hosted many parties where music was an integral part, bringing a wide variety of people into their home.
In June 2003, Kay and her siblings performed at the Grand Opening of the Mae Wilson Theatre (Moose Jaw), named in honour of their mother. A scholarship in Kay’s name was created to support young musicians wanting to pursue their studies in piano.
Kay was an amazing woman who taught her daughters to be strong, determined and self-reliant. The biggest gift she gave to her girls was the love of family, fun and laughter. Our house was always filled with it. It is hard to imagine a more loving, gracious and kind person than our mom, Kay. We are forever grateful.
Kay was predeceased by her husband Rey, her parents, in-laws Noble and Ida Isely, brothers Larry and Francis, sister Sylvia Hunka and son-in-law Kevin Robertson.
A private celebration of Kay’s life was held in Moose Jaw.
Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Health Region, and sent to the Outlook Health Centre, Box 369, Outlook, Sk. S0L2N0.
