Kathryn Neumann

Kathryn Lou Neumann (nee. Bolin) 

February 9, 1951 – July 16, 2025

Some people in this world are entirely genuine in spirit. They seem untouched by the casual pettiness that consumes so many of us. They are the kind of people who won’t judge you for the path you walk and will always offer a shoulder to lean on when things get rocky.

Kathryn (Yiya/RahRah) Neumann was one of those people. The world has felt a little colder since she passed away on July 16, 2025, after a short battle with cancer, at the age of 74.

Born to Barbara (nee. Head)  and Lewis Bolin on February 9th, 1951, in Montreal, Canada, Kathy's earliest memories were marked by tragedy. At a young age, her father was killed while testing fighter planes for the RCAF.  Her grandfather,  K.C. Head, along with her granduncle, owned the first Ford dealership in Ontario and was just retiring after selling the dealership.  He insisted that his daughter Barbara, bring Kathy and sister Deborah to live with them in Florida. ”United we stand, divided we fall,” as her grandparents used to say.  It was there, along the Florida shoreline, that her lifelong love of the beach, sunsets, and the sound of the waves took root.

Kathy was fiercely intelligent, graduating from high school and beginning her studies in Anthropology and Religious Studies at McMaster University at just 18. While she never practiced religion herself, she wanted to understand what drove people to it (and so she could better argue against it.) After the passing of her grandfather and with her grandmother suffering a heart attack, she returned once more to Florida to help care for the family.  It was there that she reconnected with her childhood friend Ken Neumann - a reunion that blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Kathy and Ken would go on to marry, beginning a new chapter together.

Kathy was a steady, compassionate presence who offered judgment-free advice, a listening ear, or - when needed - a hard truth. For the rest of her life, she remained the heart of the family, providing strength and guidance for the generations that followed. Under her care, the family endured and thrived.

If there is one thing that defined Kathy, it was her unwavering love for her large family. That love held them together in Burlington, Ontario, where they settled after returning from Florida. At least three times a year - Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas - dozens would gather at “the Farm” near Kilbride, where almost everyone in the family can say they’ve lived during the 40 years Kathy and Neum have called it home. No matter what the year brought, we knew there would be turkey, gifts, and Kathy waving goodbye from the porch. It was a rare certainty in an uncertain world, and we’ll work as hard as Kathy did to keep filling the house with light, laughter, and warm memories. 

Throughout her working life, Kathy wore many hats, but ultimately found her place at Foster Grant International. She spent over 25 years working for the company, rising to the role of Territory Manager. She valued the flexible schedule, which allowed her to care for her son with special needs. The rest of us enjoyed a wealth of free sunglasses and readers.

Kathy enjoyed a deep love of reading, and she shared that love with anyone she could. Often, she would buy books to pass around, and encouraged more than one writer into the family. She also found joy in live theatre, gifting tickets that became the foundation of cherished memories. Her time in the U.S. gave her a lasting appreciation for the music of her generation, which she continued to share with those around her.

Gentleness and grace were Kathy’s default settings. She was kind even when it was hard, often when it wasn’t deserved. That kindness wasn’t performative - it was the product of a life shaped by adversity and deep empathy. She understood that everyone faces struggles and chose compassion, always. She was stubborn about many things, and we’re glad her unrelenting goodwill was one of them. 

Kathy is deeply missed by her husband, Ken (Neum), her son, Josh, her daughter, Barbara Jane (BJ), and her son-in-law, Joe. She was the oldest of five siblings, and her loss is mourned by Deborah, Lisa, Barbara, and Sean. She was a beloved sister-in-law to Bob, Scott, Cindy, Soonja, Mark, Tim, and Tracey. She was a mentor and friend to her nieces and nephews - Casey, Jonathan, Kayla, Makenzie, Matthew, Cameron, and Connor; and nephew-in-law Andrew - and adored her granddaughter, Katie Rae. She also delighted in her grand-nieces and nephews: Olivia, Hayden, Logan, Sloane, and Oliver.

The true value of a person isn’t measured by the work they’ve done or the struggles they’ve faced. It isn’t even captured by the causes they championed or the sacrifices they made. The real testament to who Kathy was is this: everyone who knew her became better because of her.

Her family carries forward the lessons she gave – grace, generosity, and love– and will carry her joy and compassion towards a brighter world. 

We will always love you, Kathryn / Kathy / Lala / YiYa / Sister / Katie / Mom / RahRah / Nana.

Instead of flowers, Charitable donations can be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charity.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

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