Kathleen Loreta Althea Payne-Massiah

Kathleen Loreta Althea Payne-Massiah passed away on July 13, 2026, in Calgary, Alberta, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, community service, and boundless love. Born on December 20, 1947, in Antigua, West Indies, Kathleen’s life was guided from the start by an unwavering commitment to family and service.

At the age of eleven, Kathleen relocated to Barbados, and even as a young person, she was drawn to the calling of nursing—a path shaped by her innate desire to help others. After spending six months as a teacher’s assistant, Kathleen’s ambition took her to England at nineteen, where she completed her Registered Nurse qualification and Midwifery training. Always striving for excellence, she further obtained certification in ophthalmic nursing and spent five years working in that field.

Kathleen’s spirit of adventure and closeness to family brought her to Canada in 1978 after several visits with relatives. She diligently worked at Bow View Nursing Home while fulfilling the requirements for Canadian nursing certification. In 1979, she joined the Calgary General Hospital, excelling on the diabetic unit; nearly a decade later, she transferred to the Peter Lougheed Centre. Her thirst for knowledge led her to earn a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Calgary as an adult student—an accomplishment Kathleen held close to her heart. Later, she achieved certification as a lactation consultant and found her professional home on the post-partum unit, where she spent much of her career supporting new mothers and their babies.

Service, both personal and professional, defined Kathleen’s journey. Her dedication spilled into her community commitments. She began volunteering at her church and at work, eager to enrich not only the lives of her patients but also those of her wider community. In 1987, Kathleen began volunteering with the Calgary Women’s Shelter. Two years later, she joined Aunts at Large. From 1984, she contributed to the Congress of Black Women, notably serving as Vice and Acting President, and devoted Saturdays to tutoring children at the Black Heritage School. With the YMCA, Kathleen served as a Steering Committee member helping to develop the Youth Minority Achievement Program. Her volunteer spirit did not go unrecognized: in 1995, she was honored by the Black Achievement Award Society of Alberta for her remarkable contributions.

Kathleen’s service portfolio was vast. She canvassed for the United Way, lent her time to the Calgary Immigrant Society and Hope Mission, and volunteered for the Stampede Parade for over twenty years. One of her greatest joys was visiting seniors, an act of service she found particularly meaningful. Her compassion reached beyond borders, as she supported numerous global charities, including sponsoring a child.

Family was the heartbeat of Kathleen’s life. Her move to Calgary was motivated by her wish to be near her mother, Leah, her brother, Romig Henry, and her sister, Edith Braithwaite. In 2007, Kathleen married Richard Massiah, and together they built a life rich in love and shared commitment to those around them. She was a cherished presence to her step-sons, Kingsley Massiah and Roger Massiah, and her grandchildren, Reichel, Adam, Champpainge, and Courtney Massiah. Kathleen’s bonds extended to her sisters Edith Braithwaite and Sharon Fane, and her wide circle of loving relatives and cherished friends both here in Calgary and abroad.

Kathleen, affectionately known as Auntie Kathy to so many, was famous for her thoughtful cards, always filled with encouragement and heartfelt congratulations for every milestone, be it birthdays or graduations. Her kindness was unbounded—she was always ready to provide support, to lend a hand, or to be the gracious host for family gatherings. Even amid health challenges, Kathleen’s commitment to caring for her sister Edith went above and beyond, exemplifying her deep selflessness.

Friendships were integral to Kathleen’s life; she maintained decades-long relationships that anchored her throughout her journey. Friends such as Joan, whom she met during nursing school in England, as well as Veronica, Yvonne, Elizabeth Brookes, and Marva Webster, were pillars of support, particularly in her later years.

Her passions were many: Kathleen loved singing and shared her gift for music as a member of the Forest Lawn Church Choir and the Calgary Multicultural Choir for three decades. Even after retirement, she sang in three choirs, leading her family in carols each Christmas. Her leisure pursuits included playing scrabble, long walks, birdwatching, attending concerts, reading, and travel. Kathleen’s globe-spanning journeys included other West Indian islands, Switzerland, Israel, Egypt, regions of the United States and Canada, and a memorable trip to Beijing to attend the Fourth International Women’s Conference.

Kathleen’s spirit is lovingly remembered by those who survive her: her devoted husband Richard Massiah; step-sons Kingsley and Roger Massiah; grandchildren Reichel, Adam, Champpainge, and Courtney Massiah; sisters Edith Braithwaite and Sharon Fane; brother Romig Henry; and many dear relatives and friends, including Sir Elton Martin, Admarine Wyhite, Jacquiline Edwards, Kelly Payne, Bernis Payne, Devon Payne, Deon Payne, Kyle Dawn Smith, Shane Yarmoloy, and Pixie Rai Craven.

She is reunited in rest with those who predeceased her: Sidney Christian, Unella Tounge, Valarie Payne, Janice Joseph, and Gerda Payne.

Kathleen’s lasting impact echoes through every life she touched—with her gentle leadership, boundless care, and an unshakable commitment to both family and community. She leaves behind an enduring example for all: to live with open hands and a generous heart, always striving to uplift others and to grow personally and professionally.

Those who were privileged to walk beside Kathleen Payne-Massiah will cherish her memory and carry forward her formidable legacy of love, support, and service.

The family encourages you to continue Kathleen's desire to help others by donating in her name to The Parkinson Association of Alberta or The Alberta Diabetes Foundation.

Visitation will take place at Pierson's Funeral Service (4121 - 17 Avenue SE, Calgary) on Wednesday August 12, 2026 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Funeral Service will take place at Forest Lawn United Church (2236 35 St SE, Calgary) on Thursday August 13, 2026 at 11:00am.