Obituary for Kathleen Warner Bietz (Tye)
Our hearts have always been filled with the unconditional love received from Kathleen Warner Bietz (née Tye), April 16, 1927 - July 10, 2022, as a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother during her 95 years of life. But today we are saddened as we say goodbye.
Kathleen was born to Frank and Jane Tye on a small farm outside Sedgewick, Alberta where she grew up with her older sister Marion Schurek (née Tye). Kathleen had many stories to share from her time on the farm, from winning “Best Cake” at the school fair, to the ice house that kept their food cold throughout the summer, to the time Marion and Kathleen were dumped from their horse drawn sleigh on their way to school, in the middle of winter, and forced to walk a mile in the snow to a neighbour to help them get home.
In 1938 Kathleen’s mother moved the family to Scotland where Marion served in the RCAF and Kathleen volunteered through the second world war. Eventually, the family returned to Canada where Kathleen worked as a stenographer for accountants and honed skills that would serve her and her future family well. Soon after returning to Canada, she met her future husband, Harry Bietz, atop a truck at the Calgary Stampede Parade.
Kathleen and Harry raised a family of three, one son and two daughters, instilling values of family-comes-first, hard work pays off, and open mindedness. Kathleen maintained a safe and steady home for the immediate family while maintaining open arms to an army of pets and revolving door of extended family that came to stay or live for a while.
Even after her children were grown and grandchildren began arriving, Kathleen remained a constant presence in all their lives. When not doting on her grandchildren and finding ways for the family to all be together, Kathleen and Harry took to the road in their beloved motorhome on countless adventures that took them to every province in Canada and 48 of the 50 US states. Later in life, Kathleen continued to be a uniting force for her family and spent as much time as she could with her globetrotting great grandchildren.
Kathleen was a steadfast, strong, whip smart, and sometimes opinionated woman. But while she had her own beliefs, she never judged the views of others. Kathleen radiated kindness, sought to learn at least a little from everyone she encountered, and her generosity knew no bounds. We say goodbye knowing we are all better for having been loved by Kathleen.
Kathleen is survived by her son Brian/Nola and their daughter Julia/Soloman Mbabazi, son Tye, and grandchildren Sean and Hazel Mae Mbabazi, her daughter Judy Wong/Alexander and their children Adam/Kathleen Ard and Hali/Adam Snow, and her daughter Donna Cathery/Ian and their children, Brendan/Carla Christie and Jane/Kobus Roux, as well as the many, many (grand) nieces and (grand) nephews she held so dear.
In lieu of flowers and remembrance of Kathleen’s love for snail mail, the family would love to read a favourite memory or see a favourite picture of Kathleen in your life. Mail can be addressed to:
The Bietz Family
C/O Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services
105, 4715 – 13 Street NE
Calgary, AB T2E 6M3
If so desired, memorial tributes may be made in Kathleen’s honour to the Salvation Army Agapé Hospice or call 403-282-6582.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Kathleen, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
Kathleen was born to Frank and Jane Tye on a small farm outside Sedgewick, Alberta where she grew up with her older sister Marion Schurek (née Tye). Kathleen had many stories to share from her time on the farm, from winning “Best Cake” at the school fair, to the ice house that kept their food cold throughout the summer, to the time Marion and Kathleen were dumped from their horse drawn sleigh on their way to school, in the middle of winter, and forced to walk a mile in the snow to a neighbour to help them get home.
In 1938 Kathleen’s mother moved the family to Scotland where Marion served in the RCAF and Kathleen volunteered through the second world war. Eventually, the family returned to Canada where Kathleen worked as a stenographer for accountants and honed skills that would serve her and her future family well. Soon after returning to Canada, she met her future husband, Harry Bietz, atop a truck at the Calgary Stampede Parade.
Kathleen and Harry raised a family of three, one son and two daughters, instilling values of family-comes-first, hard work pays off, and open mindedness. Kathleen maintained a safe and steady home for the immediate family while maintaining open arms to an army of pets and revolving door of extended family that came to stay or live for a while.
Even after her children were grown and grandchildren began arriving, Kathleen remained a constant presence in all their lives. When not doting on her grandchildren and finding ways for the family to all be together, Kathleen and Harry took to the road in their beloved motorhome on countless adventures that took them to every province in Canada and 48 of the 50 US states. Later in life, Kathleen continued to be a uniting force for her family and spent as much time as she could with her globetrotting great grandchildren.
Kathleen was a steadfast, strong, whip smart, and sometimes opinionated woman. But while she had her own beliefs, she never judged the views of others. Kathleen radiated kindness, sought to learn at least a little from everyone she encountered, and her generosity knew no bounds. We say goodbye knowing we are all better for having been loved by Kathleen.
Kathleen is survived by her son Brian/Nola and their daughter Julia/Soloman Mbabazi, son Tye, and grandchildren Sean and Hazel Mae Mbabazi, her daughter Judy Wong/Alexander and their children Adam/Kathleen Ard and Hali/Adam Snow, and her daughter Donna Cathery/Ian and their children, Brendan/Carla Christie and Jane/Kobus Roux, as well as the many, many (grand) nieces and (grand) nephews she held so dear.
In lieu of flowers and remembrance of Kathleen’s love for snail mail, the family would love to read a favourite memory or see a favourite picture of Kathleen in your life. Mail can be addressed to:
The Bietz Family
C/O Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services
105, 4715 – 13 Street NE
Calgary, AB T2E 6M3
If so desired, memorial tributes may be made in Kathleen’s honour to the Salvation Army Agapé Hospice or call 403-282-6582.
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Kathleen, please visit www.choicememorial.com.