Obituary of Kelly Jean Kozak

With great sadness, the Kozak family announces the passing of their beloved sister Kelly Jean Kozak, 54, on Saturday, January 12, 2019 in Toronto.

Kelly is survived by her siblings Mary Lou, Sheila (Mike McKinnon), Alfred (Michelle), John and James (June Winsome Smith), nieces Andrea (Michael Wigle), Stacey and Katie, great-nieces Evelyn and Penelope and great-nephew Russell Wigle, beloved Aunt Marj, cherished Kaikuaʻana Mary Connolly, treasured goddaughter Eden Connolly-Bailey, the love of her life, Jay Caunter and special friends Heather Thomas and Heather DeSilva. Kelly is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Theresa Kozak and her father, John Kozak.  Kelly was loved by a large family of aunts, uncles and cousins too numerous to list.

Kelly was much loved, admired and remembered forever by the staff, parents and children at Playhouse Childcare Centre where Kelly was employed for the past 12 years. Being promoted to Executive Director at Playhouse was the pinnacle of Kelly’s career and she could not be prouder of this accomplishment.

Kelly was much loved, admired and remembered forever by her group members and colleagues at WW (formerly Weight Watchers) of 25 years where she excelled as a mentor, coach and inspirational leader to thousands of members. WW recognized Kelly’s achievements with numerous awards and acknowledgments.

Kelly valued her education and professionalism. She graduated with High Honours and on the Dean Honour Roll from Seneca College in 1991 with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education distinguished with Academic Excellence. Kelly continued to take numerous courses to enhance her professional development and qualifications as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and her managerial skills.

Kelly enjoyed her hobbies and was devoted to cooking, baking (famous for her Smarties cookies), scrapbooking, travel, sailing, exercising, being creative and, most importantly, giving and doing for others. Her relationships and activities were her “happy places.”

Most of all, Kelly lived by being kind, caring, loving, thoughtful, generous, keeping a sense of humour and giving that look when she didn’t quite think your story was adding up.  

The family will receive friends at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 19th.  The funeral service will be held in the chapel on Sunday, January 20th at 11:00 a.m. In keeping with Kelly’s wishes, cremation has already taken place.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the exceptional dedication and care Kelly received at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre Intensive Care Unit - Team B. The heroic interventions, the tremendous efforts and responsiveness given to Kelly in the hopes of bringing her back to wellness were very much appreciated.

If desired, donations to clinical research at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre at the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation in memory of Kelly Kozak would be appreciated by the family; please call 416-603-5300 or visit www.tgwhf.ca/tribute.  Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.