Obituary of Kathy Ste. Marie

(nee Herrick) 1949-2026

With great sadness, the family announces that Kathy passed away peacefully at the Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital on Sunday, July 5, 2026, one day short of her 77th birthday.

Beloved wife for over 45 years of the late Gerry Ste Marie. Much-loved and deeply cherished mother of Katie (Keith Waucaush) and Kristy (Sean Guistini), and proud grandmother of Kyle and McKinna. Dear sister of Mike Herrick (Lucy), Estelle Grenier (late Ron), and Phyllis Flegal (Doug). Kathy was predeceased by her sisters, Tish Stanton (late Alan) and Lois Ryan (late Bill), and by her brothers Leonard (Donna), Des (late Doreen, late Doris), Pat (Suzanne), Dom (late Ruth), and Vince. Daughter of the late Jim and Katie Herrick. Dear sister-in-law of Jerome Ste Marie (Sandie), Diane Ste Marie (Ron Solmon), and the late Annette and Louyse Ste Marie. Kathy will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Born and raised on the family farm in Arnprior, Kathy was the youngest of 14 children and often spoke fondly of the happy memories she made growing up surrounded by family and friends. She began her career at Bell Northern Research, where she met the love of her life, Gerry. Family members will always smile when they recall that Kathy wasn't afraid to march down to the shipping and receiving department to give him heck—a memorable first encounter that blossomed into a marriage of more than 45 years.

Kathy's greatest joy was her family. A devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend, she expressed her love through countless acts of kindness. Whether it was preparing a hot meal, driving someone to an appointment or simply checking in to see how they were doing, Kathy was always there when she was needed.

She had an adventurous spirit and a gift for bringing people together. In her younger years, she travelled extensively with her mother and friends, and throughout her life she delighted in planning unforgettable vacations, cottage getaways, girls' weekends, and treasured gatherings with her sisters. Kathy never missed an opportunity to celebrate and could often be found on the dance floor, happily polkaing well into the wee hours of the morning. Her faith was also an important part of her life, and she was a proud and active member of the Catholic Women's League at St. John Chrysostom Church.

Final arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd., 50 John Street North, Arnprior, where visitation will take place on Thursday evening, July 9^th from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Friday morning, July 10th from 9:30 to 10:30.

Members of the Catholic Women’s League will assemble at the funeral home for prayers on Thursday evening at 5:30.

A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated in the Pilon Family Chapel on Friday morning at 11 o’clock followed by a reception. A private inurnment will take place at the Malloch Road Cemetery Columbarium at a later date. For those wishing to remember Kathy in a special way, memorial donations to St. John Chrysostom Church Memorial Fund or the Arnprior Regional Health Foundation  would be sincerely appreciated.