Obituary for Kaja Westgarth
KAJA WESTGARTH (nee Madsen)
May 14, 1920 – August 24, 2023
A beautiful story…Not 103 pages or 103 chapters, but 103 years! That’s how long our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie and friend, Kaja Westgarth, lived before she passed away peacefully on August 24, 2023, following a stroke. She will join her loving husband, Frank; her son, Ronald; her grandson, Shane; her brothers, Andy and Edmond; her son-in-law, Ken; and her many, many friends who have gone before her. Kaja was born in Vium, Jylland, Denmark to Anna and Karsten Madsen. Her parents, with Kaja and Andy in tow, emigrated to Canada when Kaja was nine years old. They joined the Danish community in Redcliff, forming many lifelong friendships with fellow Danes.
Frank came into Kaja’s life on a blind date, and they were married a short six months later, in 1942. Frank and Kaja started their painting and decorating business, Westgarth Decorators, in 1946 after Frank returned from the war. For 35 years Frank did the painting and Kaja did the paperwork. She also did the accounting for Westgarth Gallery and The Rosery Florist. Kaja was the oldest member of the Riverside Book Club (founded in 1952) and was cherished by all her friends there. She was very active in Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church. She was an avid seamstress and knitter and took up golf after she retired. Kaja was an inspiration to many - texting on her iPhone and emailing on her computer until her last days. Kaja leaves to cherish her memory her children, Lynne (Al), Bob (Colleen) and Lori (Chris); grandchildren, Tara (Jay), Treva (Jason), Megan (Barry), Robyn (Dwayne), Matthew (Kristina), Erin, Jocelyn (Rick) and Joel (Christen); great-grandchildren, Jade, Dakota, Daxton and Preston; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends, especially Joyce. Every one of us knew that we truly had a special place in her heart. The memorial service for Kaja will be held at Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church, 476 – 4 St SE Medicine Hat, AB with on Tuesday, August 29th at 11: 00 am with Rev. Dave Pollard officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church, 476 - 4 St. SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0K9. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Kaja Westgarth.
May 14, 1920 – August 24, 2023
A beautiful story…Not 103 pages or 103 chapters, but 103 years! That’s how long our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie and friend, Kaja Westgarth, lived before she passed away peacefully on August 24, 2023, following a stroke. She will join her loving husband, Frank; her son, Ronald; her grandson, Shane; her brothers, Andy and Edmond; her son-in-law, Ken; and her many, many friends who have gone before her. Kaja was born in Vium, Jylland, Denmark to Anna and Karsten Madsen. Her parents, with Kaja and Andy in tow, emigrated to Canada when Kaja was nine years old. They joined the Danish community in Redcliff, forming many lifelong friendships with fellow Danes.
Frank came into Kaja’s life on a blind date, and they were married a short six months later, in 1942. Frank and Kaja started their painting and decorating business, Westgarth Decorators, in 1946 after Frank returned from the war. For 35 years Frank did the painting and Kaja did the paperwork. She also did the accounting for Westgarth Gallery and The Rosery Florist. Kaja was the oldest member of the Riverside Book Club (founded in 1952) and was cherished by all her friends there. She was very active in Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church. She was an avid seamstress and knitter and took up golf after she retired. Kaja was an inspiration to many - texting on her iPhone and emailing on her computer until her last days. Kaja leaves to cherish her memory her children, Lynne (Al), Bob (Colleen) and Lori (Chris); grandchildren, Tara (Jay), Treva (Jason), Megan (Barry), Robyn (Dwayne), Matthew (Kristina), Erin, Jocelyn (Rick) and Joel (Christen); great-grandchildren, Jade, Dakota, Daxton and Preston; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends, especially Joyce. Every one of us knew that we truly had a special place in her heart. The memorial service for Kaja will be held at Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church, 476 – 4 St SE Medicine Hat, AB with on Tuesday, August 29th at 11: 00 am with Rev. Dave Pollard officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church, 476 - 4 St. SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0K9. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Kaja Westgarth.