(March 23rd, 1942 - August 23rd, 2021)

Peacefully at home on August 23, 2021 at the age of 79.

Beloved mother of Catherine Tamara Best and her husband Charles Orchard. Cherished grandmother of Renée and Chantal Orchard.

Dear sister of Peter & Jane Schell, Andrew & Margaret-Elizabeth Schell, and Malcolm & Marion Schell, plus numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

Katie had a passion for connecting with others, whether it was as an elementary school teacher in the Durham Board working at Roberta Bondar PS and Valley Farm PS, being in the St. Andrew's Presbyterian choir, participating as a volunteer at the Stephen Society (home care), or volunteering and taking part in the various activities at The Village of Taunton Mills.

Her earlier years in Montreal as an active participant in the Junior League and the Montreal Island City Choir (including an early recording with the Canadian Brass Quartet) kept her busy outside home and family.

Most of all she had a tremendous love for her family and friends and will be missed and remembered by many.

Visitation and a Memorial Service will be held at W.C. TOWN FUNERAL CHAPEL , 110 Dundas Street East, Whitby in September. Please contact the funeral home to confirm the date and time.

Cremation with interment at Union Cemetery in Oshawa.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to Diabetes Canada or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Condolences may be expressed online at wctownfuneralchapel.com .