Obituary of Katie Cabay

CABAY, Katie

September 25, 1927 – December 21, 2023

On Thursday, December 21, 2023 Mrs. Katie Cabay passed away peacefully at the age of 96 years.

Katie will be forever loved by her daughter, Lucy (Ted) Turzanski, grandson, Kelly (Holly) Turzanski, granddaughter, Cheryl (Cory) Picray, great grandchildren, Amber and Tim Picray, her sister Annie Wanechko, sister-in-law, Anne Babee, brother-in-law, Ted Kitsco and numerous, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Katie was predeceased by her husband Pete Cabay (1988), her parents; Michael and Mary Babee, her brother John Babee, sister, Helen Tomchak-Kitsco.

Katie's Life Story

Katie was born Sept. 25, 1927 in Ukraine. Along with her parents Micheal and Mary Babee and older brother John, the family immigrated to Canada in 1938. They settled in the Vilna area where sisters Helen and Annie completed the family.

In 1946, a young man, Pete Cabay, from Alexander made a wise choice and an extraordinary trip to Edmonton in search of a wife. Pete’s friend knew a Kate who worked in Edmonton. The couple married a few days later on Feb. 2, 1946. They settled on a farm near Ardmore. Daughter Lucy arrived in 1947. The family toiled long and hard to make a better life for themselves, always sharing the little they had and helping others. In 1953, while Kate and Lucy were home alone digging potatoes, a fire reduced their house to ashes. After 20 years of farming, the family moved to Grand Centre in 1966. Lucky Ted Turzanski married Lucy in 1967. Grandchildren Kelly and Cheryl completed Baba and Gido’s lives with tremendous joy, loving affection, and unconditional spoiling. Pete and Katie’s retirement years were filled with fishing, playing tons of cards, visiting, and helping everyone in so many ways. Their garden, Grand Center’s biggest garden, was a source of pride and shared with others. Katie, a loyal lifelong hockey and football fan was particularly proud of a large photo with Cheryl and Wayne Gretzky in her living room. Pete unexpectedly passed away in 1988, leaving Katie to be a widow for 35 years. Later years brought Cory, Amber, Tim, and Holly into Katie’s life filled with many family celebrations. Memories of joking, laughter, and delicious Katie beet rolls, borsch, and cabbage rolls accompanied the gatherings. She enjoyed her signature drink of rye and Pepsi, raising it to salute others during visits.

Katie was a true pioneer in every sense of the word, taking what life gave her pleasantly in stride.  She appreciated and was grateful for the simple pleasures. Kate demanded nothing and shared with all. Surprisingly, she never had unkind words for others. Katie shared that warm smile for her full 96 years and family and friends welcome her with open arms into heaven.