We Remember
BROWN (Hiebert), Katherine “Kay”
January 1, 1970 — January 1, 1970
Katherine “Kay” Brown (Hiebert) (née Kleman) passed away peacefully after a very short stay at KGH on October 29, 2019, she was 99 years old. Kay was born in 1920 to Andrew and Mary Kleman in Grand Forks, BC. She was predeceased by her first husband Henry Hiebert and her second husband Fred Brown. She was also predeceased by her daughter-in-law Tracy Hiebert (Tom).
Kay grew up in Grand Forks and met her first husband Henry Hiebert while working in Beaverdell, BC. They were married in 1940 and moved to Westbank, BC where they raised their family.
Kay volunteered for many years at the local baby clinic and knew all the new babies born in Westbank at the time. Later she became a Home Support Worker and loved helping many seniors during their difficult years.
Kay always kept her giant cookie jar filled with her home baked cookies for her weekly Sunday morning gathering of her grandchildren.
Over the years, Kay faced many health challenges which she always managed to overcome with her usual sense of humour and fighting spirit. She was very active well into her senior years. When she was 80, she helped haul firewood and got her first computer. She then used email and was active on social media until her final days. She drove her beloved Toyota pick-up until she was 90 years old and never missed the opportunity to vote in any election. As an avid Blue Jays fan, she seldom missed watching a game. Kay lived on her own until the end.
Kay is survived by her loving family: Sharon (Jack) Gourlie, Rod (Lena) Hiebert, Dan (Keiko) Hiebert and Tom Hiebert. She will be sadly missed by her six grandchildren: Michael, Diane, Heather, Kathy, David, Daryl ( Kyla ) and Donovan (Billie-Jean); and her three great grandchildren: Alli, Lucas, and Lily; and many extended family members. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and Home Support personnel for the excellent care she has received over the years.
There is no service by request. There will be a private family celebration of life at a later date.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
To All of Kay’s Family,–I am so sad to hear of her passing, Kay was a wonderful Lady, and will be missed by so many.
To the Hiebert family
We are very sorry to hear of Mrs. Hiebert’s passing and we have very fond memories of her, especially when we lived in the neighbourhood in Westbank. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Maurice, Richie and Jim Rolke
We will miss you dearly.
Will miss our happy phone calls and laughter
Rest in paece Auntie Kay
My Dearest sweet lady .. you have made my life so bright with your laughter and wit – our friendship could never be more than what it was amazing … my condolences to your family as they all know what they have lost, but also know how blessed they have been .. having you in their lives. Your so going to be missed but I pray your next adventure in life will be as wonderful as you have had in this one …
To the family of Kay ..we are so very sorry for your loss .. Kay has been a big part of our life for about 40 years .. my sons and I have had her in our hearts .. Kay was a bright star all the time with her laughter and wit ..she will be greatly missed but so blessed to have had her throughout the years we have had .. may our paths cross again my sweet lady XXX
I had had the pleasure of knowing her son Danny for some time, and can attest that she knew how to raise her children well. My condolences to her family. I know she was a unique lady and will be missed.
I’m missing you alot today, Gram. Can hardly believe you’re gone. Still waiting for my “message”…
XOXO – D.
My thoughts are with you and your family Sharon. My sincere condolences as you grieve your Mother’s passing. It’s been a very difficult time for you this past year. My heart goes out to you. Looking forward to our next visit.