MACHAN, Kathleen Ruth

Kathleen passed peacefully in South Shore Regional Hospital after a long and adventurous life. Kathleen was the daughter of Francis Aaron Lantz and Alice Smith, and stepdaughter of Selena Eliza Lantz. She outlived all but one of her 10 siblings, survived only by Donald Lantz. She was mother of Patricia and Sheila; mother-in-law to Porter and David; grandmother, to Dennis and Jill; and great-grandmother, to Alexandra, Jesse, Matthew and Robyn. We couldn’t go anywhere without someone coming up to Kay to say hello. As District Commissioner for Girl Guides, she made many friends and inspired confidence and responsibility to a generation of young women. She kept the town books for years in Mahone Bay and as an active member of St. James Anglican Church, she became one of the best known and loved members of the town. She was bookkeeper for Bonny Lea Farm where she shared her love of swimming with the residents. In 1980, she married Fred Machan and moved to Marvins Island. Fred and Kay were tireless organizers of many trips for the Chester Basin Over 40 club. Kay loved her home on Marvins Island and the close-knit community. She was an active volunteer on the island participating in the annual garden party and making an endless number of chocolate cakes for the volunteers. One of her most cherished accomplishments was to lead the fund-raising effort for stained glass windows for Saint John’s Anglican Church. After Fred’s passing in 1990, Kay and her friend, Betty Zinck travelled extensively through Europe. In her final years, Kay was able to remain in her home on Marvins Island where she loved to meet and chat with her friends. She will be sorely missed. Special thanks to Betty and Mary for their friendship and support. Funeral arrangements will be private with a Celebration of Life planned for next summer. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Marvins Island Owners Association Beautification Fund. Donations will be used to build a parkette in Fred and Kay’s memory. Donations may be made by Interac E-transfer to: mioa@marvinsisland.com or by cheque to Katja Hansen, Treasurer, Marvins Island Owners Association, 85 Blue Heron Drive, Chester Basin. NS B0J 1K0. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mahone Funeral Home, P.O. Box 200, 32 Parish St., Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0 (902624-8241). Online condolences may be sent to the family visiting: www.mahonefuneral.ca