Anderson: Kathleen Mary “Paddy”, July 5, 1932 - June 7, 2018

Kathleen Mary Bennett was born in Cereal, the only child of Jack and Grace Bennett. While they waited to find a suitable name for their new baby girl, Jack began calling her Paddy after a character in a book. Eventually, they chose to call her Kathleen, but it was too late. Paddy stuck, and it was how she was commonly known and preferred to be known her whole life. Paddy was the apple of Jack’s eye and he doted on his daughter.

After completing high school, Paddy attended the University of Calgary to earn her teaching degree and returned home to teach at Farming Valley School. She married the love of her life, Wes Anderson in 1955 and together they began their life on Jack’s farm which they worked hard to purchase. Paddy joined the W.I. and busied herself on the farm and in the community. Life was good, but it was missing the pitter patter of little feet and in 1964 they adopted a cute baby girl. They called her Leona Dawn and a few years later they added another daughter, Crystal Anne to complete the family in 1968.

Paddy was an active partner on the farm, doing her bit with her beloved chickens, gardening and canning. She was skilled at dinners in the field and even though it was extra work all of us loved the chance to picnic together as a family in busy seasons.

Paddy had a soft spot for baby animals and great compassion for all living things. Whether offering condolences to a friend or helping one of the girls through a break-up, she was always offering a shoulder to cry on and strong soul to lean against.

By far her greatest joy was her grandchildren and she cherished every second with them. Long hours were spent reading to them, rocking them to sleep, tutoring and acting chauffeur. They never failed at lighting up her face, even right to the very last. Paddy enjoyed travelling as well and put on many, many miles with Wes as they went around with the Lions club functions and even a cruise on their 50th wedding anniversary.

Paddy is survived by her two daughters Leona (Ken MacDonald) and Crystal (Matthew Bonaparte); six grandchildren Michael (Lindsay), Jack (Stephanie), Nirvana (Tanner Ross), Avalon, Stephen (Jessica Ehret) and Alyssa; and one great-grandchild Isobel.

Funeral service was held June 12 at the Cereal Community Hall in Cereal. Officiating clergy was Rev. Helen Reed. Organist was Marvel Jorgenson and special music was Amazing Grace by Glenn Gibb. Pallbearers were Michael Hauck, Jack Hauck, Gordon Melvill, Tanner Ross, Frank Hauck, and Peter Anderson. Honorary pallbearers were all Paddy’s family, special friends, and neighbours who cared and shared in her life.

Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by the United Church Ladies in the Cereal Community Hall.

MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.