Obituary of Katherine Bernadette Dudka

It is with great sadness the Dudka family shares the passing of Katherine Bernadette Dudka. Kathy was born on February 17th, 1958 in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. She died on Thursday May 23rd, 2024 at the age of 66. She was surrounded by close family members in person and in spirit. Kathy was a character and was well loved by those who knew her - She was affectionately called "Crazy Aunt Kathy," by her nephews and nieces. She made friends easily and wherever she travelled. Kathy was a favourite amongst the cousins and Aunties because she was fun, light and loving. Kathy brought joy to the room by telling stories of her many adventures. She was an avid traveller and loved experiencing new foods and cultures. Her home was filled with rugs, art and trinkets she would find on her trips to exotic places. At home, Kathy’s favourite pastimes were cooking for friends and family, gardening and taking care of her many house plants. She could make a dish out of anything you had in the refrigerator, even if you thought it couldn’t be done. She brought homemade treats and a pocket full of seeds for your garden when she came to visit you. Kathy spent the majority of her adult life in the Kootenays of British Columbia, where she raised a family in a rural home. In BC, she made a career cooking in tree planting camps. In the West, she found family in her sister in-laws, or sister "out-laws" as she referred to them, who would become lifelong friends. Kathy was celebrated and adored in her community away from home. When she moved back to Nova Scotia in 2010, she bought a house in Annapolis Royal and worked as the head cook at a local rehabilitation centre. She was an exceptional volunteer at the Annapolis Royal Legion and was honoured with the Legion Service Medal Award for her volunteerism. When she retired, she moved back to Pictou County and continued to volunteer with the Stellarton Legion preparing meals for seniors and participating in the poppy fundraisers. Her father Stanley, who was a WWII Veteran, reinforced her commitment to assisting Veterans. After her father’s funeral in 2008, she rallied her nieces, nephews and some of her siblings to get a “1923” tattoo (Stan and Alice’s birth year) together. And we did just that on the afternoon of March 10th, 2008, one by one in a small tattoo shop in Dartmouth. And that was our Kathy – always inspiring fun! Kathy is survived by her children Cassidy Davidson, Savannah Davidson, grandchildren Max Davidson, Hoben Davidson, and Raen Desharnais. Her sisters: Sonya Dudka, Judith (Lloyd) Haggerty, Helen (David) Johnson, Barbara Ablett, Melody Aubin, and Alicia Dudka. Her brothers: Chris (Liz) Dudka, Stephen (Karen) Dudka, Tommy (Sharon) Dudka and Bernie (Brenda) Dudka and many nieces and nephews who she adored and adored her. She loved her BC “Outlaws” and had many close cousins who were more than just family, they were her best buddies. She was preceded in death by her parents Stanley and Alice (Ryan) Dudka and eldest brother Stan Dudka Jr. Kathy has been cremated as per her request. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in Kathy’s name can be given to the Branch 28 Stellarton Legion to support their meal program. We love you, Kathy.