Kathryn (Kate) Morrison
February 19, 1952 to January 21, 2021
Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Kathryn Mae Morrison in St. John’s following a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Kate was comforted by the presence of her son Benjamin Sparkes, and is predeceased on Prince Edward Island by her mother Edna Morrison (nee Clements) and father Harold Morrison. Leaving to mourn her brothers Arthur, Douglas and Lowell, and her sisters Brenda and Julie, and their respective families. Kate was born in Glenwood, PEI, and grew up in a loving farm family in Hebron, PEI, of whom she spoke often and with much affection. Kate lived in the Yukon before becoming a social worker in British Columbia, and later attended the University of British Columbia to become a lawyer. Returning to the East Coast, she practiced law in Halifax and eventually moved to St. John’s. Working in private practice, at Legal Aid, and as Legislative Council in the House of Assembly, Kate was also an ardent defender of human rights, and in December of 2020 was named a Human Rights Champion by the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission. Kate’s smile could light up any room, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. We would like to thank Ben’s father Richard Sparkes and his daughter Anna Powell, as well as Lorraine Holden, Nancy Paul and Ken Mercer for their ongoing kindness and support. We are also immeasurably grateful to all of the nurses, doctors and staff of Saint Luke’s Homes for their care and compassion, and for loving Kate as one of their own. Messages of condolence and charitable donations in lieu of flowers can be made through the Morrison Scholarship by visiting www.morrisonscholarship.ca or through Carnell’s Funeral Home. Private ceremony and interment in PEI to follow at a later date.
Dear Ben, I was so sorry to learn of your dear Mom’s death. I knew your Mom when you were a little boy and actually shopped for your “Santa Claus” presents one Christmas. I worked with Health & Community Services, St. John’s region and was your Mom’s dietitian. We spent many afternoons together and she was always so proud of you. May your dear Mom Rest in Peace, she was a good soul, taken too soon. Sincerely, Glendora Boland
Condolences to Ben and Kate’s extended family. I had the pleasure of meeting Kate in Toastmasters. She was a valuable addition to our Club and her smile was a ray of sunshine for all. She shared interesting speeches about her family, as well as on various legal issues. We have missed her attendance at our Club but will continue to reflect on and chat about her contribution and the warmth she brought.
Blessings to all…Heaven has gained another Angel.
VP PR, Memorial Toastmaster Club
Ben, our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. Always remembered for her work as a lawyer and contribution to human rights and her warm and generous spirit. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Ann and Jack
Sorry to hear of Kate’s passing. We got to know her a little during our Mom’s time as her room mate at St.Luke’s. She had such a beautiful smile. RIP.
Rita Fitzgerald and family
Ben,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. She was such a lovely person and an inspiration to all.
Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and Prayers.
Ben,
I worked with your Mom and she was kind and respected and did not let her limitations with MS impair her enjoyment of life. She was a great contributor to our justice system in Newfoundland and Labrador.
May all the messages and fond memories help you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Susan Gover
Ben,
We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and wishing you strength during this difficult time.
Ben,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She spoke about you during our many years of friendship. Soar high, my friend
Deepest Condolences
I have fond memories of Kate in the early years of my legal practice. She was an incredibly kind and empathetic person ; I remember she began a parents rights group to empower and help parents whose children were in the child protection system. She started it by herself and expected nothing in return. To me, this defined her not simply as a lawyer, but as a person.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
I was very saddened to hear of Kate’s death. I was fortunate to meet and get to know her though the legal community in St. John’s. She was a very strong and determined woman. My deepest condolences on your loss, Ben.
I was fortunate to have met Kate when I first started at Legal Aid. She was a wonderful, kind and knowledgeable mentor. So sorry to hear of her passing and my condolences for your loss.
Ben. So sorry for the loss of your mom. She was so proud of you. I met your mom through the MS support group of which my daughter was a member. She was as beautiful inside as her outside beauty.
Ben-while only knowing Kate the short time she lived at Saint Luke’s Home, her kind and gentle spirit as well as her love for you, would shine through each day in her beautiful smile. She will be missed. Condolences to you and your family.
It is through her work within the disability community that I first encountered Kate. I loved her zest for discussion & debate. She taught me a lot .I wish her peace .
Ben, So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing! She was a lovely lady and was an inspiration to all of us! I certainly enjoyed our chats and caring for her over the years! She was always so proud of you!
Dr. Liz Callahan
Richard and Ben , sorry to hear the news . Our sympathies to you both.
My thoughts are with you at this time. The boys had many afternoons at Kate’s…..she was a caring person who thought a great deal about people. I learned how to overcome obstacles with her as an example.
.
David Baldwin
Ben and Richard, thinking of you both as you mourn the passing of Kate. May she rest in peace and love.