It is with profound sadness to announce the passing of KATHLEEN "KATE" ANN LINDSY HEPTONSTALL, at home in Lethbridge, where she was comfortable in her surroundings, on Friday, April 2, 2021 at the age of 73 years.

She leaves to mourn her loving son, Matthew Patterson, niece and nephew: Natasha and Rylee Clark and Aunt Vera Brumwell in Victoria B.C., as well as other relatives, and a host of friends across the country.

Kate was born to Robert and Winnie Boyd in Stettler, Alberta on April 25, 1948. She was best friends with her sister Shannon Boyd, and the two defeated every speed bump life threw them.

She attended school in Stettler, and upon graduation met the man she married; Robert Bruce Patterson. Kate and Bruce had a son, Matt, adopted another boy, Kelly, and in 1973, moved to the town of Drumheller, as Bruce was transferred for Alberta Power.

In 1975, Kate schooled herself to become a secretary, and that blossomed into working with handicapped children and administrating the Outreach Program, which is still operating to this day.

Kate met Dale Heptonstall, and began a long relationship as husband and wife, happily living their dreams and travelling around North America to see the sights and sounds. She adored Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Peggy's Cove, as well as the mountains in Waterton. She loved the ocean most of all.

Kate was well known and respected wherever she lived, as people who came in contact with her frequently ended up becoming friends with her.

Always lending a hand to under privileged people, or a hurt/stray animal, she was an unselfish person to people who came in contact with her. As a woman who had seen almost everything, she always bounced back from troubles, and remained positive through it all. Kate always found the light in situations, and that spread to the people in her close circle, showing what a fine role model she was for her family. Always having a great sense of humour, she kept things positive even in the darkest of times. Her home was always filled with love and laughter, proving Christmas at Kate's for the holidays was as good as going to Grandma's house for the festivities.

In 2010, she moved to Claresholm, then Lethbridge, where she could be closer to her son, sister, and her niece and nephew.

Kate greatly enjoyed live concerts, and entertainment, finally getting to see as many as possible on a regular basis, from Celtic Thunder, to meeting Randy Bachman, or sitting on stage with Dr. Hook playing mere feet away, to actually seeing a live Kiss concert with her son Matt. As a regular entertainment connoisseur, she even enjoyed the Lethbridge Airshows and live stage plays. She was the ultimate mother for her son, who enjoyed seeing every show with her, no matter what the genre.

Kate had a curious nature where she would constantly consume information about anything and everything; spiritual and meditational pursuits, home making, as well as a sizable book collection which she would delve into frequently. Never leaving a stone unturned, Kate was wise in many aspects of life, and that made her indispensable to her family.

She was the best mother/aunt a child could have. Being a loving friend, disciplinarian, and nurturer made Kate a confidant to many people. She could see a skill in someone, and coax it out of the person. She bought her son Matt his first small drum set for Christmas in 1983, which turned into a 20 year drumming career, as well as enabling him to work in the music business for a long time with veteran professionals. This all due to her one act of motherly love nearly 40 years ago. She was iconic.

"There is still a beat, but the music is gone, and you're the song my heart wants to hear."

"I wish you knew how much of you is in everything I do. It can be the smallest thing...trivial...mundane...but you're in there. Under the surface of it somewhere.

I wish you knew how I carry you with me always...everywhere I go."

At Kate's request, no formal funeral will be held. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Last Chance Cat Ranch, P.O. Box 30025 Park Place, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4X3.