Kathy Missere died peacefully on March 1, 2025, surrounded by family, following a brief illness at the TBRHSC.
Kathleen Harriet Bullough was born on October 20, 1958 in Thunder Bay where she was raised with her siblings Karen and Laurie. In later years, she went on to graduate from Westgate High School and Confederation College. After meeting and marrying the love of her life, Mike, she followed him as his banking career took them to various communities in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, finally settling back in Thunder Bay, where they raised their two daughters, Courtney and Kelsey.
Kathy embraced motherhood and felt very lucky to be a stay-at-home mom. During the early years, she ran a home daycare, volunteered at her kids’ school, coached soccer and enthusiastically supported all Courtney’s and Kelsey’s activities. She eventually started working in Diagnostic Imaging at TBRHSC, retiring after 17 years.
The family home on Norah Street had an open door policy, welcoming everyone at any time and Mom was always there, ready to chat. Any visit to the Missere household involved a meet and greet with a menagerie of animals. Mom, known as the “dog whisperer”, nurtured many pets well into old age and we are left with many urns in the china cabinet.
Her great passion was sports, both as a participant and spectator. Her great love of “running” began in the early ‘80s and she competed in many events, including the 10-mile road race, several half marathons and her crowning achievement, completing a full marathon in San Diego. She reluctantly hung up her running shoes when her back problems became prohibitive, but she continued to walk regularly with her fur babies.
As a spectator, TSN was always on TV at the Missere house, and she particularly loved her Toronto Maple Leafs. If Mom has any pull, the Leafs will finally win the Stanley Cup this year. She also loved playing and watching golf and always looked forward to her golf dates with her hubby.
Music, in all forms, was a huge love for Mom. She attended dozens of live concerts with Mike and the girls, always dressed to the nines and ready to dance in the stands. AC/DC was her personal favourite and she was looking forward to the concert in Minneapolis on April 10 with her family.
The Misseres (aka “The Griswolds”) enjoyed travelling as a family, which included memorable road trips to Brandon and Penticton, various locations in the States and the annual tropical vacation. No one loved to sunbathe and walk the beach more than Mom.
Friends were precious to Mom and included the infamous “sexy 6” girls, the “brij group”, MNF ladies, work friends, couples and her daughter’s friends. Needless to say, making friends came easy to Kath.
In recent years, her proudest title was “Grandma” and she showered Liam and Ellie with love, creativity, spunk and endless entertainment. Liam and Ellie loved going to Grandma’s and we know she will forever be their number one fan, cheering them on.
Our Mom was a true original – small but mighty, with a heart of gold, a constant smile on her face, and a determined spirit. She faced so many health issues throughout her life but met each one like a “Warrior” and always found a way to adapt to the “new normal”. She looked at each new day as a blank slate to fill with positive thoughts, plans, progress and any setback was a new challenge to overcome.
Mom loved and was loved by so many, and we will all miss her dearly. She was a bright light and the memories we have will continue to brighten our days. Love you Mom. xoxo
Mom is survived by her devoted and loving husband Mike, daughters Courtney (Mark) and Kelsey (Jordan) and her adored grandchildren Liam and Ellie. Also surviving is her sister Karen Lewthwaite (Jim) and sister-in-law, Marlene Kerr, along with many cherished nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Fred and Pat Bullough and her brother, Laurie.
A “Tribute to the Life of Kathy Missere” will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Da Vinci Centre at 6pm with formalities at 6:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her honour to a pet charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
