Cst. Rt'd. Kathleen Avis "Kathy" Long

Cst. Rt’d. Kathleen Avis ‘Kathy’ Long – 67, of Halifax and Kentville died at Shannex, Orchard Court, Kentville, Nova Scotia on Saturday, May 16th, 2020. Born in Wolfville, Nova Scotia she was the daughter of the late Garnet and Madge (Long) McPhail. She is survived by brothers, Zane (Gladys) Long, Sunken Lake; Keith (Karen) McPhail, Melanson; sisters, Audrey (Peter) Milne, New Minas and Zelda (Peter) Stevenson Aylesford as well as many nieces and nephews. Kathy earned a BSc from Acadia University in 1974, completed the Correctional Worker Program at Sheridan College in 1976 before joining the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in June 1977. She was assigned to "J" Division, New Brunswick where her tenure of duty included Minto, St. George, Richibucto, Oromocto, Woodstock Customs and Excise and Fredericton from where she retired in 2003. In 1992 Kathy was the first Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement President and laid the groundwork for what it has become today; an organization of female police officers founded on the desire to work together equally and inclusively to achieve excellence in the profession for all members. Kathy was an intelligent woman, fiercely independent, a dedicated police officer. Always an advocate for the protection of women and children from violence and abuse. She enjoyed the company of her family and friends and would arrive for a visit unannounced after a long absence as if no time had passed. She was always supportive of and generous with her many nieces and nephews and followed their lives with keen interest. Kathy was active in athletics at Horton District High School. She lived an active life. Preferring warm weather, Kathy enjoyed a game of golf, kayaking on Shediac Bay, long beach walks, a cold beer on a restaurant patio and the simple pleasure of the first Annapolis Valley apple of the season. Her travels throughout her life took her around the world including sunny destinations in the winter, hiking in Iceland, England and Scandinavia, walking the Great Wall of China, being just a few. Kathy had a long bucket list of places to visit; she ran out of time too soon. For those who wish to do so, donations in Kathy’s memory may be made to Chrysalis House Association, P.O. 356, Kentville NS B4N 3X1; a transition house providing safe shelter and support to women and children, escaping family/intimate partner violence. Cremation has taken place with burial to follow at a later date in Black River Cemetery, Black River, Nova Scotia. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences and inquires may be directed to: www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com