Kathleen Elisabeth Lacey

Long-term former resident of Dorchester, and co-founder of the Signpost, Kathleen (Shelley) Lacey (nee Sheldon) passed away peacefully on April 9th in Ottawa. Her life adventure began in Spa Springs, Nova Scotia, in 1921, and her 98 years took her to many places around the world, including back to England in 1931 and during WWII to serve as a volunteer nurse. She met and married Stan in 1945, and eventually returned to Canada choosing Dorchester to put down roots and raise four children. Never able to sit still for too long, she founded the Signpost with her friend Mildred Dromgole, beginning a 35-year love affair with all facets of journalism, from photographer, to editor, to reporter conducted from her home at 95 Hamilton Road and later on Jane Street. This home also served as a place of entertainment, where she hosted many a happy gathering of friends and family either at the dining table or in her back yard, her wonderful cooking and baking always outstanding and so very tasty. Her garden was another source of contentment, with rows of roses and vegetables, lots of room for hide and go seek and a swing on the apple tree for her grandchildren. She also found great delight in painting with watercolours, feeding the birds and found companionship with canine friends like Pepper and more recently, Buddy.
A well-read and thoughtful armchair philosopher, she explored humanity both in print and in life, traveling to many places around the world, taking it all in and living life to the fullest. This included falling in love, after the passing of Stan in 1992, and finding a new partner in Walter Rutherford, a dear friend from her time in England. This started a new chapter, moving into London with Wat, continuing her well-known hospitality on Belgrave Ave and becoming part of the Rutherford clan, which included Wat's children – Janet (Martin), Willy (Lisa) and Jim (Liz) along with their families. After Wat passed in 2006, she continued to reside in London, but spent the last 18 months in Ottawa in the home of her daughter.
While she accomplished much, she was most proud of being the Mother of Anne (Bruce) in Ottawa, Ian (Dharshi) of London, Peter (Kathy) in Red Deer, and Robin (Jennifer) of Thunder Bay. In addition, she was the delighted and doting Grammi of 8, and GG (Great-Grammi) to 7. In these last few years, she continued her adventures, being central to many Lacey family reunions (including an awesome one on a Disney cruise!) and also lived vicariously through her children and grandchildren as they made their way in the world based on the values and ethics she had patiently and lovingly instilled. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her and her gentle and giving spirit including nieces and nephews in England, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
A Celebration of her life will take place Saturday, June 15, 2019 from 2-4 at Grand Wood Park, 81 Grand Avenue, London, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to Compassion Canada or Covenant House.