KATHERINE ENID BUFFINGTON

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and trusted friend, Katherine Enid Buffington.
Kay was born Nov. 14, 1922 in Nipawin, Sask., the second child to George and Anne Agnew. She told many heart-warming stories about her life on the farm.
After completing high school, Kay joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as a secretary and spent time in Toronto, Ottawa, and then Windsor Recruiting Centre, where she was posted overseas to London in 1943.
After her dad passed away suddenly, she was granted a compassionate posting back to Canada to be near her mom.
She was discharged from the service on her birthday in 1945. Then it was on to Saskatoon for upgraded training through the veterans’ program. It was there that she met Ray Johnson, who was taking medical training at the University of Saskatchewan and she was secretary to the Dean of Pharmacy for five years.
Then it was on to Winnipeg for Ray to complete medicine while she worked at the Winnipeg Clinic.
She made many lifelong friends and kept in touch with them for the balance of her life. She always enjoyed returning to Winnipeg to see family and friends.
After their only child was born in 1955, the family moved to Fort Frances, Ont. in 1957 when Dr. Leishman was looking for a general surgeon for the area.
In 1968, she and her husband parted but she chose to remain in Fort Frances, where she felt “at home.” She took a job as medical secretary for the doctors at the clinic and then went to the Public Works, where she remained until her retirement in 1977.
In 1972, she met and married Richard Buffington and moved out to Frog Creek, where she became a “Creeker” and turned a pasture into a beautiful yard with many trees and flowers. Her huge garden was a source of much pride and she spent many hours canning the fruits of her labour.
In 1996, Richard passed away and she moved back to town.
Kay always remained active in many clubs and organizations. She sang in the church choir at Knox United Church and was a life-time member. There also were many events at the Royal Canadian Legion, where she was a member and very proud to be a veteran.
She always was available to her friends for a ride, a bit of baking, or just a trusted friend to chat with. She left a mark on each and every one she touched with her positive attitude and graciousness. Always a true lady.
Kay is survived by her daughter, Dolly Lou and husband, Rob Paxson; grandson, Daniel, Chanté, and great-grandson, Mikko Tyrvainen; grandson, Garnet Paxson; and granddaughter, Mackenzie Paxson.
Also surviving are her sister-in-law, Margaret Agnew; her children, Pat, James, and Marilyn Agnew and their children; and her godson, David Harrop and wife, Suzanne.
Kay was predeceased by her brother, Tom, in March, 2013—a great loss she never got over.
A celebration of her life will be held Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, with a luncheon to follow at the Royal Canadian Legion.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Knox United Church Renewal Fund to help purchase an elevator—a cause that was very close to her heart.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com