Ablett a fierce defender of faith-based education
School board trustee was strong voice for students and teachers, mayor says
After nearly 27 years as a trustee on the Ottawa Catholic School Board, Kathy Ablett became known as a fierce defender of faithbased learning.
During her time with the board, Ablett sat in leadership roles on almost every committee, including Honours and Awards, Child Care Corporation, and the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority.
She became known as a tireless worker who gave everything she had to support her community. Ablett died on Saturday. The cause of her death was not revealed.
“Ablett’s fierce commitment to her role as trustee has been a cornerstone of the Ottawa Catholic School Board for decades,” said Elaine McMahon, chairperson of the school board.
“We have appreciated her personal dedication to Catholic education over the years. She was a dear friend who will be missed.”
Ablett was trustee for Zone 9, which encompasses parts of River and Capital wards, and includes schools such as St. Pius X, Immaculata High School, Corpus Christi School, Holy Cross School, Holy Family School, St. Augustine School and St. Elizabeth School.
During a tense time for Catholic education in Ontario in 2007, when there was discussion about amalgamating the public and Catholic school boards across the province, Ablett became a vocal proponent for the Catholic board and fought to keep amalgamation talk to a minimum.
“More than one million parents choose Catholic education,” she wrote in a letter that ran in the Ottawa Citizen in 2007.
“They have the right to continue to exercise this choice. Catholic schools educate one-third of Ontario’s students and are supported by more than 2.4 million taxpayers.
“In our diverse society it is desirable that this diversity be respected. Diversity is not divisive. Ontario society has a long-standing respect for religious and cultural pluralism.”
In 2009, Ablett was among those who helped the board address funding cuts from the province, which was looking to roll back the amount it spent on busing.
The cuts forced the Catholic board to work with the public board and identify a way to share buses and decrease costs.
It ended with a decision to shift school start and finish times in order to allow the same buses to be used for different schools in a certain geographic area.
Tributes to Ablett’s dedication in her role as trustee rolled in as news of her passing spread on Monday.
River Ward councillor Riley Brockington remembered Ablett as a “great woman.”
“She and her husband lived in the Hunt Club neighbourhood and (Ablett) was a retired registered nurse, having worked … in the Riverside Mall for many years.” said Brockington. “(Ablett) and I spoke at least once a month about issues in River Ward and events in her schools. She was always focused on providing excellent Catholic education and making our local schools stronger, more engaged and successful.”
Ontario’s Attorney General Yasir Naqvi tweeted that Ablett “served (Ottawa Centre) schools for many years, advocating for students and better education. It was an honour to work with her.”
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson called Ablett “a tremendous education advocate, school trustee and strong voice for students and teachers alike.”
He also pointed out that in 2000, Ablett defeated now Conservative leader Andrew Scheer while securing her spot on the board. During her time on the school board, Ablett was honoured with the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association’s Trustee Award of Merit in 2009.
She was also the recipient of the Success By 6 award from The United Way Ottawa in recognition of her efforts to provide educational opportunities for the very young.
Arrangements for Ablett’s funeral were still underway on Monday.