Cathrine Riach

Cathrine "Kitty" Elenor Riach

(nee Smallpiece)

After a long, long life, Kitty Riach passed away on Monday, March 24 ^th , 2014 at the Lions Prairie Manor, her home since her 104 ^th birthday on December 19 ^th , 2013.

She was predeceased by her husband Jack, son-in-law Edgar Rudy and grandson Terry Rudy.  Kitty leaves to mourn, her daughters Myrna (Casey) Gowler and Arlene Rudy and son Larry Riach, all of Portage la Prairie; grandchildren Michelle (Stan) Killam of Portage la Prairie, Jeff (Tammy) Gowler of Minnedosa, Todd (Andrea) Riach of Melita MB, Corey (Ian) Holding of Pitt Meadows BC and Tracey Riach (fiance Leon) of Toronto ON; great grandchildren Alex and Cassidy Killam, Joshua and Nicholas Gowler, Jessica and Conner Riach and Ashely, Megan and Madison Holding.

Kitty was the daughter of Arthur and Ellen Smallpiece, pioneers of the Bagot district.  Of their large family, she is survived by sisters Ellen Brownridge of Portage la Prairie and Mabel Batters of Imperial, SK and by many nieces and nephews and their families.  She was predeceased by siblings and spouses Annie (Les) Bell, William (Ella), Frederick, Herbert, Edith, Alice (Jack) Sumpton, Mary (Roy) Greenlay, Ernest and brothers-in-law Irvin Brownridge and Loyall Batters as well as by Jack’s sisters and brothers-in-law Jessie (Stan) Edey and Isabel (Bob) Kirkland.

Kitty lived in Portage la Prairie all her adult life with the exception of two years the family lived in Brandon.  Previous to falling and breaking her arm in July 2013, she had resided at Oddfellows Towers for 34 years.

Kitty was an active member of the community, having belonged to the Royal Purple Lodge, Ruth Rebekah Lodge and Trinity United Church Women’s Unit A.  During the planning and construction of Oddfellows Towers she was a member of the Board of Directors and was also involved with the Portage Fair.  Kitty was an avid quilter and donated many of her creations for fundraising.  She was a volunteer for many organizations and was always willing to contribute.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, March 28, 2014 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 2:00 pm with Rev. Julie Baker officiating.  Interment will take place at a later date.

As expressions of sympathy, should friends so desire, we know Kitty would appreciate donations to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Sask. Ave. E, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N OK8, to recognize her granddaughter Michelle Killam’s fight against breast cancer.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com