Obituary of Kathryn Leanne Shanks

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Kathryn Leanne (Johnson) Shanks slipped peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Saviour on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Fredericton Hospice House. Kathryn, or Kathy as she preferred to be called, was lovingly cared for by her husband, Randy until her recent move to Fredericton’s Hospice House. 

 

Born in Fredericton, NB on December 17, 1958 the youngest of seven girls, she was raised in a Christian home and spoiled to this day by her older sisters. Kathy graduated from Fredericton High School and attended Bethany Bible College, UNB Saint John and completed her Ministerial training through the Wesleyan Extended FLAME Program. 

 

Kathy’s worked with CIBC for over 25 years and was both loved and respected by her staff and colleagues. Her last position was as manager of the King Street branch in Saint John. Kathy served on several boards and committees within the bank, in her community and in her church. She was a gifted speaker, motivator and team builder.

 

Kathy answered a call to ministry when she was offered a position as Admissions Director at Bethany Bible College in Sussex, NB. Kathy made this difficult transition with the full support of her husband, Randy. Kathy’s call took them from Sussex, on to Moncton and back to their hometown of Fredericton. 

Kathy had just completed her educational requirements in 2017 through FLAME when her illness interrupted and she became disabled. 

 

Kathy loved to laugh and to make others laugh. She was known for her skits and for her character as “Mabel”. She role played as a Siamese twin fitting in one leg of a size 72 blue jean. One of her greatest accomplishments was to be a trained therapeutic clown at the Saint John Regional Hospital where she graduated as “Rosie” in the Giggle Gang Clown Program. She and her best friend “Sparkles” did their “rounds” at both hospitals in Saint John on a regular basis until Kathy’s move from the city.  

 

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Randy; her beloved son, Tyler (Marinda Ward) and her soon to be born granddaughter (May, 2022).  Also surviving are her sisters, Sandra Johnson, Barbara Johnson, Evelyn Johnson and Eleanor Knowles (Dennis); nephew, Paul Kierstead; niece, Angela Mooney; several great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents,  Kenneth and Mary (White) Johnson; her sister, Gail Kierstead and brother-in-law, Donald Kierstead.

 

The family is indebted to Kathy’s many friends who prayed and supported them during her lengthy illness and to her Physicians, therapists and support workers who lovingly cared for her. They want to especially thank Hospice House for their compassionate care shown to both Kathy and her family during her final days. 

 

A Celebration of Life will take place at Journey Church, Duncan Lane, Fredericton, NB on Saturday February 19, 2022 at 12 noon. For those attending the Celebration of Life, masks, proof of vaccination and government issued ID is required. For those unable to attend the service, it can be viewed by registering through the Funeral Home’s Website. Interment will take place at Olivet Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Kathy’s memory may be made to Caton’s Island, Hospice House Fredericton or a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be made through www.yorkfh.com