L. Kathryn McHugh

Born April 25, 1945 in Brantford, Ontario. Our loving Kathy passed away on September 25, 2015, surrounded by adoring family in her Cambridge, Ontario home after a long, courageous and spirited battle with cancer. Kathy is survived by her mother Iris Hunter, her husband Jim McHugh, sons Rob Howden and Rick Howden, Rick’s wife Andréa, and their boys William and Benjamin, the two grandchildren who gave her the reason, the strength and the will to fight her illness every step of the way. She was pre-deceased by her father Charles Hunter, and brothers David and Christopher Hunter. Kathy was a loving wife, an incredible mother who offered unwavering support for her sons, and an enthusiastic and doting grandmother. In her professional years, she improved the lives of countless young people during her 30+ years as a public school teacher, connecting with her students on a deeper level, one that made them understand that their education and safety was something that she held as paramount. Away from her classroom, Kathy reveled in the warmth and richness of friendship, developing bonds that could be described more as family than friend, and she was always there for her ‘girls’ whenever she was needed, and often when the need was not apparent. There’s an unknown quote that reads ‘if you want to see how rich you are, then don’t count your money. Just drop a tear from your eyes and see how many hands come to hold it.” Kathy’s tears never hit the floor thanks to the community of dear friends who helped make her life as full as it could be. Kathy lived more during the eight years of her cancer battle then many do throughout their entire lives. She was loved dearly and we will hold close to our hearts the love, kindness and respect she offered to us each and every day. The family wishes to thank Dr. Laurie Elit from the Juravinski Cancer Center and the many health care professionals who supported Kathy during her battle. The family would also like to say a special thank you to Lovis Devine and her daughter Leeanne Doyle for the loving care provided in her final weeks. Their unconditional love was truly a special gift. Friends and family will be received at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St Andrews Street, Cambridge, Ontario on October 4th from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm for an open house to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the charity of your choice.