Katharine MACDONNELL

LAWSON, Katharine Macdonnell Peacefully at the Rockcliffe Retirement Residence in Ottawa on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at the age of 85, after a long, slow decline throughout which she maintained her dignity, grace and patience. Predeceased by her darling Bill, R. William Lawson, her sister Anne Clarke and her brother Peter Macdonnell. Leaves behind her only child, Anne, son-in-law John Hannaford and granddaughters Sarah Grace and Jessica Katharine to carry forward their grandmother's strong spirit. Was also much loved and will be missed by many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Kate's lively wit, charm, strong opinions and fine cooking enlivened many a dinner party. She had a varied career, beginning in the foreign service, then making a distinguished name for herself as a social worker in Ottawa and later working as a member of the Canadian Refugee Status Advisory Committee. In between and around these professional pursuits, Kate also added tireless hours of volunteer service at Christ Church Cathedral and the Hospice of All Saints (now at May Court), among other places. scholar of renaissance Italian art, she managed numerous trips with family and friends to her favourite places around the world, reading voraciously as she went. Kate took on all aspects of life with force and courage, organizing things throughout and always making the most of situations for herself and for those around her. Many benefited from her generosity and learned from her resolve. Inspiring to the end, may she now find peace and comfort. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hospice at May Court would be appreciated. Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2009 at Christ Church Cathedral, 420 Sparks Street, Ottawa. Published in the Ottawa Citizen from 9/25/2009- 9/26/2009