Obituary of Pauline Frances Kilduff

Pauline Kilduff

1925 - 2023

The Kilduff family is sad to announce the passing of Pauline Kilduff on March 21, 2023.

Born in Leicestershire England to Jack and Florence Burton, Pauline was the eldest of three children. Following secondary school, Pauline went on to nursing school. While working at the Royal Hospital in Wolverhampton, Pauline met Chris Kilduff, a young Irish doctor who was immediately smitten by the tall, beautiful red headed Pauline. On their third date, Chris, with typical Irish temerity, advised Pauline that they would soon be married. Pauline could find no good reason to object and thus their future was set.

Chris and Pauline were married on September 24, 1953. Eldest son Christopher Paul was born August 7, 1954. Following settlement in Saskatoon in 1955, seven more children were added to the clan, including two sets of twins. Throughout her years Pauline retained her indomitable English spirit notwithstanding the trials and tribulations visited upon her by her eight children.

Over the years Pauline took great satisfaction in tending to her garden. Only when she was unable to maintain her garden to her exacting standards did she move out of her home and into a condo, where she continued to live independently until her passing at age 97.

Pauline’s other passions included knitting and hooking rugs. Every room in the house featured a rug that she had hooked. She was, as we kidded, indeed a happy hooker. For those of you who knew mom you will know that her sense of humour had a certain, shall we say, flavour to it.

As her children grew older mom sought out new challenges. Always an elegant dresser, mom embarked on a multi-year career at Marguerite’s a leading women’s clothing and apparel store in Saskatoon where she came to know and serve many customers over the years.

Pauline was always a voracious reader. In her later years her failing eyesight took away that great pleasure. To her rescue came her twin granddaughters Melanie and Amanda who regularly delivered audio books from the public library. Mom spent many wonderful hours listening to those books. Thank you Melanie and Amanda.

Pauline was predeceased by her husband Chris in 1991 and by her special companion Jim Markham in 2013. More recently, Pauline’s younger brothers Peter and Carl left this life.

Pauline leaves to mourn her loss eight children; Paul (Dorcas), Jo (Rob Babik), Kieron (Mona Nasser), John (Dushan Bednarsky), Pat (Candace), Catherine (Dale Schick), Brian (Jackie), Gerry (Jeannette), 21 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Pauline was thrilled to learn that she was to be a great-great grandmother later this year as yet another set of twins are on their way.

Pauline is also survived by extended family in England and Ireland.

The Kilduff family would like to thank the wonderful staff on ward 6300 at RUH for their compassionate care during mom’s final days. We also extend a heartfelt thank you to Maureen at Home Care for all the kindness you showed mom during your daily visits. Special thanks also to Marg Gauley for your friendship and support of mom.

On May 6th a come and go tea will take place at the Edwards Family Centre starting at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers we invite all to make a donation to The Kilduff Family Foundation fund at the Saskatoon Community Foundation, designed to benefit the Department of Anesthesiology at the RUH or the charity of your choice.