Josephine Kay

February 10, 1924 – Ponteix, Saskatchewan

July 3, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

Josephine “Jo” Anne Kay passed away peacefully in Calgary, AB at the age of 101. Born in Ponteix, SK, to Sarah and Albert Salloum, and delivered by the town’s midwife, Jo was the youngest of nine children. Ponteix was a French-Canadian town and Jo learned to speak French as a child.

A devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Jo’s life was marked by resilience, kindness, and a deep love for her family and heritage. When you arrived at her door, her first words—like her mother’s—were always, “…let me get you something.” She excelled academically, was a member of Kappa Gamma, and later built a respected career as an executive secretary, school secretary, and real estate agent.

In 1952, she married James “Jim” Douglas Kay, and together they raised two sons, James Douglas “Doug” Kay and James Brett “Brett” Kay, in Calgary, AB. Jo will be remembered for her grace, hospitality, and elegance. She cherished her role as matriarch to her extended family and delighted in cooking Lebanese dishes and British roast beef dinners, sewing, and nurturing lifelong friendships. Jo found comfort in her Anglican faith. She loved the singing of Bocelli, and her favourite movie was Gone with the Wind. Jo’s favourite trips were to Disneyland with her grandchildren when they were young, to the UK to meet all of Jim’s relatives, and to Maui.

She is survived by her son, Doug (Peggy), grandchildren, Colin Kay (Julie), Isla Michelle Kay, and Joseph Kay, and great-grandchildren, Oliver, William, and Henry. Jo was known as Mauna to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her son Brett (partner Lilly) predeceased her in 2024. Jo is also survived by several nieces, nephews and their children including her niece Heather Salloum in Regina, SK, with whom she had a special relationship.

When seeing us off on our travels, she would say: “…enjoy it to the fullest for you may never pass this way again.”

There will be no funeral service and family and friends are encouraged to connect privately.

Special thanks to the compassionate staff at the Staywell Manor, where Mom’s last residence was.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jo’s family here.

In living memory of Josephine “Jo” Kay, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.