Katherine “Kaye” Agnes Wilhelmina Catharina Antonia O’Connor

Katherine “Kaye” Agnes Wilhelmina Catharina Antonia O’Connor (1941 – 2025) 

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Kaye on April 12 in Victoria, BC, who gently departed this world while being held in loving arms. 

Predeceased by her parents, Petrus and Petronella; her dearest friend, Hazel; and beloved nephew, Derik.  Survived by her adoring husband of nearly 64 years, Patrick, who feels this loss beyond measure. 

Kaye’s enduring love will forever remain with her children, Danielle, Shelley, Vernon, and Tye (Antonio); grandchildren, Karlie (Jared), Rory (Sarah), Terris (Alex), and Rhett (Jordann); great-grandchildren Brynn, Sawyer, Emery, Rylee and Bo.  

She will be remembered fondly by her younger siblings, Marianne Davis, of Crofton; Gerdina Herring (Leonard), of Olympia, WA; Tony van de Mortel (Patricia), of Crofton; Ted van de Mortel, of Yucca Valley, CA; Nellie Marker (Richard), of Gittisham, Devon, UK; and Peter van de Mortel, of North Saanich.  She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Sheryl and Nancy; as well as many nieces and nephews, their children; and cousins across Canada, Washington, California, Arizona, UK, and the Netherlands. 

Born in Limburg, Netherlands in 1941, Kaye had vivid memories of her early life there.  Years later, her family began their immigration to Canada, first to Prince Rupert, and later to Victoria, where she and Pat married and started their family.  Kaye’s home and garden in rural Saanich was her paradise.  She cherished her fabulous rhododendrons and prized magnolia tree.  

Kaye was a frequent spectator at Western Speedway where Pat, her brothers, and later her grandsons raced; contributed many years to the St. Michaels University School Parents’ Auxiliary; and never lost her youthful zest for life.  She loved gatherings with family and friends such as her and Pat’s summer party at their home, Christmases on the mountain, weekends at the lake, summer visits to the Jib, Lake Saint Clair, and just last summer, her sister’s 60th wedding anniversary in Olympia.  Her love of music was the common theme to all gatherings, a highlight of which was attending Sunfest with her children and grandchildren. 

While Kaye (Mum) will be very deeply missed by all of us, it was her love for her husband Pat that brought her ultimate happiness.  Their love, as attested by long-standing friends, was profound and only grew stronger over the years.  Together, they navigated life’s ups and downs, always finding strength in each other.  Each shared experience, whether big or small, added another layer to their deep connection.  Their unbreakable bond was marked by care and compassion throughout their life journey.  He was the love of her life, and she his.   

“Honey, I love you so much.”  

 

A celebration of life will be planned for when family and friends can be with us to honour Kaye’s memory. 

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