Kathleen E. Adams

          It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Kate, surrounded by the love of her family on Friday October 9, 2026.  While there are countless chapters of Kate’s life, above all, she wished to be remembered as a loving mother to Paige and Leo and a caring wife to Dave Jackson.

          Throughout her 40 years, Kate touched the lives of many through her love, compassion, and leadership.  Her lasting legacy will be the warmth, kindness and always ‘showing up’ for those around her; not the journey with cancer that she faced with remarkable courage, strength, and grace.  That was Kate, she never measured life by the passage of time but the experiences, connections and joy she found along the way.

          Kate was born Kathleen Elizabeth Adams on March 8th, 1986, to her proud parents Sheldon and Kathy Adams who eventually earned the titles of Nana and Grandpa.  She was raised in Stittsville, Ontario with her brother Sean.  In her early days, Kate cherished time with her family; vacations by the ocean, Barkey family picnics, birthdays and family celebrations.  She also found great joy in the companionship of her beloved dogs and cats. Independent, curious, and compassionate from an early age,  Kate approached life with determination and focus, always eager to help others and make a positive difference.

          Her commitment to service and leadership development began in her school years, from Big Buddies, Big Sisters, fundraisers, and food bank collections to the citizenship awards and peer recognition she received.  Kate’s competitive side became apparent in her 10 years of dance and eventually as a dance teacher, where her drive and dedication inspired those around her.  While her efforts often brought success, she valued participation, personal growth, and the confidence she gained far more than winning.

          Kate was a proud Bishop’s University woman through and through.  Smart, driven, and always involved, she brought her determination, quick wit, and unmistakable school spirit to every part of university life. While studying business and taking part in extracurricular activities, Kate embraced the full Bishop’s experience, from tackling business classes and mock cases to attending countless sporting events and cheering on her fellow Gaiters.  More than anything, Bishop’s was where Kate built friendships that would last a lifetime, forming bonds that became an enduring part of who she was.  Her time at Bishop’s was about so much more than an education; it was where her independence flourished, her loyalty shone, and some of the most meaningful relationships of her life began.  The friendships and memories she made there would remain a cherished part of her story for years to come.

          Kate was a valued member of the PepsiCo family for over 18 years in Toronto and Vancouver.  A passionate, inclusive, and kind leader, Kate’s impact reached far beyond marketing and across the organization.  Her energy and enthusiasm were infectious, and she was generous with her time and knowledge, deeply invested in helping others succeed.  She had the rare superpower of making people feel like they belonged.  The relationships Kate built were never confined to the workplace, but rather making lifelong friends sharing in life’s greatest moments and becoming part of each other’s families. Kate managed to climb the ranks from Marketing Manager to Director in a short, but exceptional career.

          When Kate moved to Vancouver in 2013, she embraced the West Coast with the curiosity, courage, and boundless enthusiasm that defined her life.  Whether running the seawall, skiing in Whistler, kayaking the Pacific, hiking the Sea to Sky, competing in marathons and Olympic triathlons, or simply enjoying sushi on the beach and time with friends, she found joy in every experience.  In less than two years, Kate built lasting friendships, explored the coast, and created a lifetime of memories with an infectious energy that inspired those around her to live more fully.

          Kate’s ‘Sparkle Year’, 2016, was one for the record books! On August 27th; when country met city for their first date to Turkey Point.  From their first date in their love story to their wedding on November 30th, 2019, in Elora, Kate quickly acclimated to her life on the farm in Norwich where she built a home full of love for all who visited and was finally closer to her girl squad on Pleasant Valley.

          Kate and Dave welcomed Paige Kathleen on May 6th, 2021, soon followed by the birth of Leo James on March 27th, 2023.  It was here, that Kate found joy in taking the kids on country walks on Maple Dell Road, the back yard pool, swinging on the set Dave built, cousin time or simply blowing bubbles.  Paige and Leo are blessed to have Grandma Gail (late Jim Jackson) on the farm for visits.  From Paige’s first day at school where she shares her mothers inquisitive mind, eagerness to learn and strong determination to Leo learning to skate or playing tractors on the carpet, it was pure happiness and joy to watch her young children grow.  Kate found the true meaning in life as being a mom, yet it created the most heartache in knowing her time would be cut short with her beloved kids.  It is her ask, that we keep her memory alive for her kids to know how deeply she loved them!

          We dearly miss Kate and one of her favourite spots was always being near water, so next time you hear or see the splash of water, think of Kate.  A local spot where she felt herself was ‘The Oxford Hills’; Kate’s family invites to you celebrate her life on Saturday October 24th, 2026, from 5 to 9 pm., at the Oxford Hills in Mount Elgin, Ontario.  Family and friends will share memories at 6:30 p.m.  For those wishing to support the family, donations can be made to Paige and Leo’s RESP c/o Dave Jackson.

Wareing Cremation Services, 225 Norwich Ave., Woodstock, Ontario was entrusted with Final Arrangements.  Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared here at www.wareingcremation.ca