Kaye Rya

Kathleen “Kaye” Rya, age 96, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at the Leader & District Integrated Healthcare Facility, Leader, SK.

Kathleen “Kaye” Patricia Florence Rya was born February 8, 1926 to William & Florence McConaghy in London, England. The youngest of six children —three brothers and two sisters — Kaye tragically lost her father when she was only 4 years old. After his passing, her family returned to her mother’s home in Jersey, Channel Islands. They lived there until WWII began and Germany took over the islands, which forced Kaye and her family to escape to England with only the clothes on their back. Her fondest memory was the end of the war and later in life she would often speak about the occupation, air raid sirens, and the blitz.

Kaye took her nurses training and became a state registered nurse and a state certified midwife. In 1952, Kaye moved to Newfoundland and worked there for four years before returning to England for a short stay. Kaye came to Saskatchewan and was the Matron of the Leader Hospital, she soon became the Matron of the Cabri Hospital.

It was the fall of 1960 when Kaye’s path crossed with Glen Rya at a dance in Sceptre, SK. He asked “the prettiest girl in attendance” to dance with him. Glen & Kay were married on October 6, 1962 at the Scandia Lutheran Church in Cabri.

They moved to Calgary in 1967, where Glen worked for the City of Calgary Transit and Kaye worked at the Brentwood Nursing Home. They had a cottage at Siksika and enjoyed their time there. When they both retired, they moved back to Cabri in June of 1989, where they enjoyed all the comforts of their brand-new home.

Kaye loved Canada, Canadians, and making this country her home — Saskatchewan was very dear to her. Jersey, Channel Islands, and England held a special place in her heart, and she loved to tell people that she was the same age as Queen Elizabeth II.

Kaye loved to garden and crochet. She and Glen often went to the Cabri Seniors Club. She especially enjoyed the exercise program. She was also a member of the Cabri Hospital Auxiliary for many years until she could no longer participate. Kaye was an avid reader and could usually be found with her nose in a book. Even when her dementia began to worsen, she never lost her love for books. If you asked her, “what are you reading?” her answer would be, “damned if I know!” 

When preparing her wishes and memories, Kaye wrote “if I could live my life over again, I would do it the same. Maybe be more forgiving when I was younger, and more gracious. Remember me for my sense of humour and hopefully, with a smile. God bless you all!”

Kaye was predeceased by her husband and the love of her life, Glen Rya, on April 7, 2021; and by her parents, siblings, and several in-laws.

Kaye is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and friends.

The Private Family Graveside Service for Kaye Rya was held on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from the Cabri Cemetery, Cabri, SK with Rev. Greg Kiel officiating. The service card can be viewed below.

In memory of Kaye Rya, donations made to Cabri Union Hospital Auxiliary (Box 104, Cabri, SK, S0N 0J0) would be appreciated by the family. 

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