KOTKE, Catherine
1939 – 2025
Mrs. Catherine ‘Irene’ Kiddie Kotke (nee Smith) passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at the age of 85 years. Irene was born on March 30, 1939 at Cambuslang, Scotland to James and Kate Smith. Irene did all her schooling in Scotland, prior to her Canadian Adventure. First, she worked in childcare, then she tried hairdressing, and finally found her true passion in nursing. She loved helping people, and had deep, caring connections with her patients. She helped to heal bodies, and nurtured their souls, uplifted spirits, and reassured them as well…. Everyone she met had a story, and she wanted to know all about it. Irene lived a very full life, but never beyond her means. She immigrated to Canada in the 1960’s, worked in Calgary at the Baker Sanitorium, and also the Foothills Hospital. She was an avid artist, loved painting and drawing, also sewing and costume design. When she had a spare moment early on, she would lose herself in a good book and could finish a hard cover in two days, and once introduced to her iPad, she escaped with that. Her hobbies included bowling, curling, playing bingo, going on camping holidays, driving her Cadillac, and choir. She LOVED choir, loved to sing, loved to get dressed up, add her own glitter, and entertain the audience. Irene was gifted with three grandsons, Aengus, Wellen, and Hudson; and her granddaughter, Olivia. Dogs were always a big part of Irene’s life. Coco Chanel became her favorite companion. Irene was always surrounded by her canine grandchildren, and it was like she conducted an orchestra, whenever they gathered around for treat time. She will be remembered daily and hopefully will continue to guide us with her little signs and messages, from beyond. Irene will be lovingly remembered by her children, Sandy, Camy, Ola (Del), Nigel (Michelle) and Lindsay (Adam); her four grandchildren without tails, Aengus, Wellen, Olivia, and Hudson; her nine grandchildren with tails, Flynn, Nellie, Birdie, Queenie, D-Wayne, Hazel, Kevon, Baby Kitty, Harley and Mutt; as well as numerous other family and dear friends. Irene was predeceased by her parents, Jimmy Smith and Kate Smith (Thompson), of Scotland; her husband, Olgert Kotke; her eldest son, Kevon Kotke; her only sister, Jean M. Smith, and her life companion and favourite dog, Coco Chanel. A Funeral Service was held at Parkland Funeral Home, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, Alberta on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Irene never wore black to a funeral. She was always a bit of a rebel…so wear something comfortable, and dress for a celebration, not for a funeral. Sparkle is highly recommended! Interment will be held at the Red Deer Cemetery, Red Deer, Alberta, Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2025-02-05
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com