HNIDAN, Kathleen

Posted: February 19th, 2022

Kathleen Hnidan

1952 – 2022

On Sunday, February 13, 2022 my love, my wife, my best friend passed suddenly at the Chinook Regional Hospital. While Kath’s battle was brief, she continued to be a ferocious fighter until the end. TAWANDA!

Left with broken but grateful hearts are her wife and partner of 45 years, Debbie Yanota, Kath’s brother Dennis and his wife Effie, nephew Kevin, his wife Renae and their children Katrina and Luke, nephew Kory, his wife Kimberly and step daughters Britta and Quinn, nephew Darrin and his wife Vicky and daughters Emma and Hanna, sister in law Sandy, sister in law Cathy and her husband Dan, niece Jodi and her husband Matt and daughter Sarah, niece Karin and her children Karson and Jaydin, nephew Andy, his wife Danielle and son Mason, and nephew Steve. Aunts and uncles, cousins and friends, are too numerous to mention but she always enjoyed spending time with each and every one of them. There was always so much laughter and fun whether it be at Terra, Dickey Lake or Bukust.

Kath was predeceased by her mother Doreen, her father Peter, step mom Jean, father-in-law Frank and mother-in-law Millie.

Born and raised in Calgary, Kath graduated from Central Memorial High School then went on to Mount Royal College to earn a diploma in Recreation. Deciding on teaching, Kath went to the University of Lethbridge where she earned a Bachelor of Education. While there she played volleyball for the Pronghorns and was the athletic trainer for the women’s basketball team.

Kath’s first and only teaching job was at Cardston Junior High School where she taught physical education for 32 wonderful years. She was highly respected and loved. She thought it was so cool that she taught long enough to teach kids of kids. She was the athletic trainer for the Cardston Cougars Football team for 25 years, was involved as a dancer and choreographer with the Cardston Community Theatre, for which she received a lifetime award, and loved her involvement with track and field even years after her retirement.

She retired in 2009 and could begin her love of travelling full time. Sadly our bucket list barely got touched but Kath lived without regrets.

Kath also loved gardening, crafting, needlepoint, camping, fishing and golf. She scored an ace on the third hole at Indian Springs Golf Course in 2016.

Enough cannot be said for the incredible teams of doctors and nurses who cared for Kath from November 2020 to her passing. Her Lethbridge team included Dr. Wong, Dr. Adolph, Dr. Leavens, Dr. Stocks and their incredible nursing staff. The team at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre made up of Dr. Phan and Dr. Glaze and all of their support staff made Kath’s marathon seem achievable. Her very good friend, Pam Garner, was a confidant, a source of strength and love. Last, but not least, Jonelle and her Home Care team provided nothing but the best care. Debbie cannot thank you all enough for the compassion and support. Our mantra throughout this journey was “Courage, Strength, Hope and Love. Every medical professional involved helped support our mantra.

A Service to remember the incredible life of Kath Hnidan will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL at 610 – 4 Street, Lethbridge. Please note Covid restrictions have been lifted, the service will be fully open to the public, with masking still required. The family invites those who wish to watch the service via livestream by going to https://www.mbfunerals.com/ obituary/KathleenKath-Hnidan and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Should you choose to honour Kath in a charitable way, donations should be made to a charity of your choice.

Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.