Obituary of Margaret Ann Kilpatrick

Kilpatrick, Margaret Ann, R.N.(nee Mainse) June 10th, 1932 - March 4th, 2017 Peacefully at the age of 84 years in the Smiths Falls District Hospital. Deeply beloved wife for 60 years of Douglas M. Kilpatrick. Cherished mother of James Kilpatrick (Amy), Michael Kilpatrick (Robin) and Peggy Travis (Stephen). Proud grandmother of Brian Travis, Michael Travis and Matthew Travis. Dear sister of the late John and Herb Mainse, survived by sister Janet Nicol. Ann was raised on a farm at Sweet's Corners, Ontario where she learned how to handle draft horses, wrangle a dairy herd using a switch from a willow tree, make the best raspberry pie ever tasted, sew anything from nothing, plant a vegetable garden, and care for others. All were skills that she would use throughout her life. After graduating in 1953 from Kingston General Hospital Nursing School and Queen's University, Ann went on to work in various disciplines of the nursing profession finishing her career as Director of Nursing, a position she held for 15 years, at the Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital. She remained actively involved in the medical profession by volunteering as a board member for the Perth-Smiths Falls District Hospital Board and the District Health Council. Ann and Douglas Kilpatrick were married in 1956 in Kingston, Ontario in an evening ceremony that was resplendent with flowers grown on her family farm. Together they raised a family of three. She made Hallowe'en costumes out of old velvet drapes, taught the kids to make Toll House cookies and how to grow dahlias all while maintaining a full time career. After the children left home, Ann continued on her life long quest of learning new things. She learned to make pottery, became a skilled machine knitter, started growing orchids, taught herself to sail and earned her pilot's licence. She continued to garden and won an award for her vast perennial flower beds. Grandchildren provided her with another opportunity for family time with Gramma becoming renowned for her story times, "very cool" handmade sweaters and homemade bread. She travelled to Canada's far north, its far south and points in between to deliver her own special brand of love and caring to her grandsons. Her later years were occupied with book club, continuing on with her 36 year career as a soprano and soloist in the United Church choir, being a critic of the latest Murdoch Mysteries or Downton Abbey episodes, organizing holiday dinners, enjoying life at the family cottage and her role as the chief listener. She was the best listener. Ann died peacefully after living a life that was fully and completely well-lived. She will remain in our hearts forever. A Service to Celebrate the Life of Margaret Ann (Mainse) Kilpatrick, R.N. will be held Saturday April 8th, 2017 gathering at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity Smiths Falls United Church, Market Street at Russell Street, Smiths Falls, Ontario In memoriam donations may be made to the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Foundation cpdmhfoundation.ca Smiths Falls Community Hospital Foundation sfchfoundation.com Trinity Smiths Falls United Church Memorial Fund www.trinityunitedsf.ca Online condolences may be made at www.lannin.ca