Kathryn Ellen “Kay” McTaggart, age 95 of Port Hope, passed away peacefully in her own home on Thursday, March 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on February 19, 1931 in Grindstone City, Michigan, to Alvin and Jeanette (McCachen) Woolner, Kay graduated from Cass City High School in 1949. She began her working life at Frutchey Bean Co. in Cass City, where her boss, Art Atwell, affectionately gave her the nickname Kay. While roller skating in Bad Axe one evening, she met Harold McTaggart. The couple married on May 5, 1951 at the Gagetown Nazarene Church. Harold passed away on May 2, 2016, just days before their 65th wedding anniversary.
Together, Kay and Harold built a life and a business. After moving to Port Hope in 1956, they founded Thumb Farm Service Inc. in 1971, operating grain elevators in Port Hope, Ubly, and Ruth. Kay served as secretary-treasurer for more than 40 years. A devoted member of the Port Hope United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday School, served as treasurer for the United Methodist Women, and participated in the Grindstone Port Hope Sportsmen Club, the Port Hope Chamber of Commerce, and the Port Hope Community School PTA. For over thirty years, she and Harold also enjoyed winters in Zephyrhills, Florida, where they formed many cherished friendships.
Kay is survived by her three children, Alan (Judy) McTaggart, Jean Norton, and Debra (Jerome) Lackowski, all of Port Hope; six grandchildren, Lindsey (Greg) DeJonge, Mark (Amanda) McTaggart, Autumn Norton, April (Nick) Osburn, Thomas (Kate) Norton, and Alex Lackowski; eight great-grandchildren, Fynlee DeJonge, Olive McTaggart, Henry DePottey, Carter Osburn, Charlotte Osburn, Michaella Norton, Londyn Norton, and Piper Lackowski; her sister-in-law, Donna Woolner; and many nieces and nephews. A loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
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