It is with deep sadness that the family of Kathryn Oakes-Sisco announces her sudden passing on December 20, 2013. Kathy’s bright light touched many people’s lives, sharing with them her enormous capacity for compassion, kindness, and joy in life. No matter what, she was always there to lend a helping hand whether it was painting a wall, driving across the country to help in a move or just to be there to assist emptying a bottle of wine on a patio or in front of campfire. She would just roll up her sleeves and get it done. She managed to do this all with incredible energy, always laughing and sharing her weird and wonderful sense of humor. She lived her life to the fullest and was blessed to have two men in her life that shared in her joy of camping, travel and exploring and would indulge her need to just take off to paths unknown. Her love of photography was evident in every shot she took, and her thirst to try new things like stained glass, quilting, re-purposing old items always came out beautifully. Kathy was a true Renaissance woman. Her passions for Woodworking, Photography, Quilting, and a myriad of other crafts were infectious and her excitement and joy in what she was doing at that moment could be felt by all around her. There was nothing she wouldn’t attempt to do, and no matter what she attempted, the end result was beautiful. Her partner in crime, Diane Stafford, would always be right beside her whether it was looking in Black Duck for fabric, garage sales across the country or just urging her on to greater things through Pinterest. Kathy was blessed to have surrounded herself with wonderful, lifelong friends who shared her creative flare. Born August 16, 1952 as Kathy Chikowski she grew up in Pine Falls, MB where she fell in love and married Brian Oakes in March of 1971 and started her family. Her children, Kimberly and Jarrett were her pride and she raised them with love, patience and laughter, instilling in them her love of nature and adventure. She truly understood what mattered in this world, and that was her family. When her marriage ended, she found love once more with Clinton Sisco and rather than losing family, it actually just expanded and merged the Oakes and Sisco families. She loved her new daughter Terri and son in law Shaunn, and took great joy in becoming “grandma” to Brady, Colby and Seth. She held a special place in her heart for Clint, Jeanna, Parker, and Peyton, they were never far from her thoughts. She was very close to her brother Keith and his wife Theresa and was excited to be a part of their “growing” family. They never missed an opportunity to make plans to get together no matter where. She was so grateful and excited to be a part of their joy with Elliot, making quilts and planning for more things she can make for her favorite grand-niece, and thrilled at the prospect of spoiling the newest addition when he or she made an appearance. She loved her nieces and her nephews as if they were her own, and was always there through the good and hard times without judgement. Kathy is predeceased by her parents, Beatrice and Paul Chikowski of Pine Falls, MB, and her brother Brian Chikowski from Lac La Biche, AB. She will be forever missed by her beloved Clint, her children Kimberly and Jarrett Oakes, Brian (Rhoda) Oakes, brother Keith (Theresa) Chikowski, Kelly (Jordan) and Elliot Wray, Steven (Amanda) Chikowski, Shawn and Stealth Chikowski, Kirsten and Seth Chikowski, her step daughter Terri (Shaunn) and grandkids Brady, Colby and Seth Koblum, step son Clint Jr. (Jeanna), Parker and Peyton Sisco, and many dear cousins, aunts, uncles, and lifelong friends. A Celebration of Kathy’s life will be held on December 28th at Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, ON from 10am until 12pm. Interment will be at North Branch cemetery in the summer with information to follow prior. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and can be made at www.northridgefuneralhome.com.