WALES Kate Alice It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kate Alice Wales, (Leszczynski) of Red Deer. Kate left this world to be joined with her father Henry on December 1, 2008. Kate was the mother of 3-year-old Shaynee Alice Leszczynski and also of 2-year-old Liam Henry Leszczynski-Wales. Kate was born in Noble Park, Victoria, Australia on July 19, 1982. She was the eldest child of Henry and Dianne Leszczynski. Her two brothers, Samuel and Michael were also born in Australia. Kate was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome at 2 years of age and received a kidney transplant at the age of 5. After receiving her gift of life, she went on to live life with courage, vitality, and was always busy with friends. Her health never faltered and the doctors were amazed at how well she became a normal, healthy little girl. In 1992 her father died unexpectedly and Kate felt this loss terribly. As Kate grew up in Australia she participated in many sports, but excelling in netball, tennis and basketball. Kate also had a love of music and learned guitar, she was very involved in her church group and sang in the band. She also spoke German and had the opportunity to travel to Germany as an exchange student in 1998. Kate had many friends and was always on hand to help those who were struggling or needed a friend. In February 1998 her mother remarried Wesley Williams and moved with her family to Red Deer to participate in her own real life "Brady Bunch" Her family now extended to 8 including her. She was blessed with a new dad, Wes, and in later years always referred to him as dad. She loved him as she loved her biological father. She was also blessed with an older sister Fiona, younger brother Matt and another sister Naomi. Her family had enlarged and so had her heart. Kate attended Notre Dame Ecole High School and graduated in 2000. Life in Canada was very different for Kate. She now celebrated her birthday in summer, learned how to snowboard, how to drive at 16 and often found herself the center of attention because of her accent and her Aussie culture. Having 5 other siblings was a bonus for Kate. They all got on well and participated in each other's lives. Not long after moving to Red Deer, Kate and her mother went to an elementary school in Sylvan Lake and did a small presentation about Australia, snakes and spiders to the children. Kate was amazed at the kid's curiosity about life in Australia. The classroom also got to sample "Vegemite"; unfortunately this was not as well received. With the result being many screwed up and grimaced faces refusing to swallow our beloved Vegemite. One of Kate's great accomplishments and blessings was her two children. Her daughter, Shaynee Alice Leszczynski who was born on January 20, 2005. Shaynee was her joy and Kate was in love with her from the very beginning. Liam Henry came along on July 7, 2006 and Kate again was so blessed and overjoyed in being able to have 2 children. Kate was a beautiful bride in January 2007, and she often mentioned that she wanted more children, but unfortunately her kidney could not sustain her life and in June 2007, Kate commenced dialysis at the Red Deer Hospital. Life had now become a challenge and she struggled as she tried to settle into the routine of dialysis. The family would like to thank Dr. Sue Konynenbelt, Dr. Kym Jim, Dr. Costigan, the renal unit staff at the hospital and especially we would like to thank Johanna Weirsma, Renal Social Worker. Johanna was always on hand to encourage Kate, assist Kate and believe in Kate. The family would also like to thank their church family at Streams Christian Church, who also offered much love and support over the past years. Kate will be so sadly missed by her brothers, Matt, Sam (Tristin), Mike and her sisters; Fiona, Naomi (Aaron) and good friends, Bryan, Janelle, Samantha, Melissa and by her mum, Di and dad, Wes. Shaynee, her princess and by Liam, her protector. Also many friends from Australia and in Red Deer. Kate's smile, sparkling eyes and desire to help someone else are qualities that we will never forget or can ever be replaced. We know that Kate is now at peace, without pain and forever happy in the arms of Jesus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 101, 10642 - 178 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5S 1H4 PERSONAL ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL SERVICES Unit 1, 6828-50th Ave. Red Deer, Alberta (403) 341-5181 and Airdrie (403) 912-0307 entrusted with arrangements.