Katharine Eva (Katie) Wanger

I met Katharine almost 41 years ago as a new grad at Parkwood Hospital in London. She took me under her wing and not only mentored me professionally, but also became a great friend to me outside of work, helping me adapt to living alone in a new city. We shared a lot of good walks, dinners, and weekend get togethers. It is thanks to Katharine I made such a great group of life long friends in London. Our lives diverged for many years, as I moved away and lived abroad. But Katharine was always happy to meet when our paths did cross, and we were able to pick up where we left off like no time had passed. Recently we shared a love for curling and I am so happy I got to see her for the Brier in London last year. I will remember Katharine for the kindness and comfort she showed me in those first years, and for the bright and bubbly person she was though the years of our friendship that followed. Goodbye Katharine and thank you!

Dear Larry and family, We were so sorry to hear about Katie's passing. She was such a lovely person. May wonderful memories ease your grief during this difficult time.

Dear Larry, I was saddened to hear of Katharine's passing. I am thinking of you and the boys and remembering times when the boys were little. She was a wonderful woman and I know she will be missed by many.

Dear Larry, We're very sad about Katie. Our heartfelt condolences to you, Matt, Brian, and to all of Katie's family and friends. We see from yesterday's tribute that she touched many people, and we also have very fond memories, especially of your visit to us in France. Here's a picture from that time. Katie thought it was so funny to take pictures from the Paris metro as it was crossing over the Seine river! We had a great time together! Love Steve & Valerie

Hi, Larry and Family: I was a social worker on the Geriatric Assessment Unit when it was on 4ANorth at parkwood. She always had a positive outlook and lots of energy. So wrenching to have her taken so fast. Little did I realize until last year that you lived in Komka. We have been in Kilworth Heights for 24 years and often biked past your place. Good memories for me. Ken

Katharine and I were colleagues at Parkwood Hospital in the late 1980s. I remember her kindness and grace extended to all her patients and the staff. Deepest condolences for your loss.

I have known Katharine for over 20 years. From day 1 as a physio at Parkwood she was a mentor to me. She taught me so much about physio itself as well as patient centered and compassionate care. She always had a smile on her face and was ready to chat about anything. Her family and children were always at the top of her list. She will be greatly missed. Sending love ane condolences

I had the pleasure of working with Katharine at Parkwood Hospital in the 80's and 90's but what I remember most warmly was her staunch support of my mother. Katharine, as part of an outpatient geriatric assessment team, recommended a walker for my mother. My parent's doctor, a very fine physician and highly regarded by my family, disagreed. Katharine took an extra step, went nose to nose with the physician and convinced him to accede to her recommendation. Within six months my mother had gone from being housebound to taking regular walks the length of Gibbons Park with my father.

Our deepest sympathies. Katharine will be greatly missed by all.

Katherine, the name I knew her by was very much a part of my extremely happy time working as a physio at Parkwood back in the eighties. She was a calm organised person combined with a lovely smile and sense of fun . What a great combination . I have no doubt she will be greatly missed by her family and many friends . With love Penny Briscoe( previously Slater) xxx

Dear Larry, Brian and Matt, I have been honoured by Kath’s friendship from our first day at U of T Physiotherapy. Be assured that you were always so important to her and that our Christmas shopping trips to Stratford were a time to catch up on your news and making sure that Larry got his Rheo Thompson chocolate. I will miss her warm and caring spirit and her concern for those around her. Always still in control to the end, I will always treasure our last visit when we shared memories and June’s lemon meringue with great gusto. Love, thoughts and prayers. Margaret Vaz

Over the past 20+ years, we've shared many home-cooked meals, some Brier curling matches, lots of laughs, stories and good times with Katie and Larry. Katie was such a warm and engaging person, positive, smiling, kind, thoughtful & perceptive; a proud Mom and loving wife. She was determined to live the best life she could, right to the end. She was truly an inspiration! My heartfelt sympathies to Larry, Brian, Matt and all the family. Katie is missed by many.

Larry and family. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family on reading of Katharine’s passing. We had many discussions over the years usually involving our gardening struggles which we ended up laughing about with no solutions in hand. I will miss those conversations.

Larry, Brian and Matt, My most sincere condolences. Katie was a beautiful human being, so filled with kindness. I remember meeting her for the first time and feeling immediately so at ease in her company. It is the absolute warmth of her smile that I will always remember about her. Sending you lots of love during this difficult time, Ruthie

I am saddened to hear that Katharine has left us. I am so impressed with her fortitude in this journey. When I worked at Parkwood, Katharine and I often worked closely together. She was intelligent, knowledgable, compassionate and so much fun to work with. At one time, we were also neighbours, often sharing rides and spending time together. While we were not often in contact, I am so grateful that we maintained a long distance friendship. The Parkwood bond is a strong one. We can look back on so many fun times and so many good friendships. Larry, my thoughts and prayers are with you and with all your family. You have all been on this journey with her and now it continues ; finding a new path while keeping Katharine close, along the way. My deepest condolences for your loss.

I remember meeting Katharine briefly at one of the high school music concerts with Brian, and her smile that night. Thinking of Brian and family during this difficult time; sounds like she was an amazing women who accomplished so much and helped so many others along the way!

The Wanger family Please know we share in your grief and sorrow at this time. We have many happy memories from Komoka United watching our kids grow up in Sunday School together, catering, singing in the church choir with Katharine and having great chats about health care, travel and our families. Katharine was so blessed to have her loving family's support throughout her illness. Death is a messenger of peace and calls the soul to heaven.

A donation has been made to Canadian Cancer Society.

Dear Larry and family, I’m so very sorry to read of Katie’s passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family.