Obituary of Katherine Andrachuk

ANDRACHUK, Amy Katherine

1951 – 2017

Amy Katherine Andrachuk left us suddenly on Saturday, October 28, 2017.  She is survived by her husband and soul mate Billy Chin-Luk Cheng; and brothers Bruce, Norman, Paul, Steven and sister Victoria.

Known to so many Ontario gardeners and horticulturalists as Kathy, she was an indefatigable volunteer and manager of horticultural societies.  She served as President of the Toronto Horticultural Society until 1988 and then helped it merge with the Parkdale Society to form the Horticultural Societies of Parkdale and Toronto, where she held every position on the board many times.  Kathy's energy and enthusiasm for volunteer work went beyond “the Hort”, as she fondly called it, to work for St. Christopher House and St. George the Martyr Church, where she renewed and helped maintain the gardens of these Toronto landmarks.  Not only did Kathy volunteer, she made sure other volunteers were recognized, especially through her work with the Ontario Horticultural Association, the CNE, and Canada Blooms.  The motto of “the Hort” is Beautify Toronto and Kathy did more than most to make our city beautiful and livable.

Kathy was always keenly interested in preserving local history.  Perhaps this is because she was a descendant on her mother's side of the family of Robert Land, one of the founders of Hamilton, Ontario, and his son Colonel Robert Land, a prominent figure in the War of 1812.

Kathy was an Alumna of Branksome Hall, class of 1970.  Among Kathy's many friends, the words heard most often after her passing were “giving” and “friendly”.  We have lost a person who embodied the spirit of civic giving and engagement, and who made it contagiously fun to be involved.

There will be a private funeral service in MOUNT PLEASANT CEMETERY, 375 Mount Pleasant Road, followed by a Celebration of Her Life at the Roncesvalles United Church, 214 Wright Avenue, on Saturday, November 11th from 2:00 till 4:00 p.m.

If desired, donations to Horticultural Societies of Parkdale and Toronto, P.O. Box 30023, 1938 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M6P 4J2, would be appreciated.  Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.