It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Katherine Chiste of Lethbridge and of the Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. She graced this world discovering wisdom and adventures with sixty years of exuberant life and on May 23, 2014, while receiving care at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, she succumbed to her illnesses and left us for her greatest adventure.
Katherine, more affectionately known as “Kate”, was born on December 9, 1953 in Oakland, CA to proud parents Chester “Chip” and Jeanne Beaty. She was raised with a great appreciation for all things intellectual and with a desire to make a positive impact on the world around her.
During her high school years, Kate enjoyed a rich and diverse learning environment. After completing grade ten in the United States, she attended grade eleven in Ireland and graduated from grade twelve in Canada. Kate’s thirst for knowledge and intellectual enlightenment led her to become an Ivy League undergrad at Mount Holyoke in Massachusetts where she received her B.A. before going on to receive her Doctorate in Political Science from the University of Calgary and her Masters Degree from the University of Toronto. Kate’s ability and skill in the academic arena was so impressive that it garnered a personal acknowledgement from former instructor Peter Lougheed. Her unquestionable proficiency in her field was again proven when she co-authored numerous scientific papers and research journals. She taught at the University of Lethbridge for many years; as a professor of Management, she inspired many students and furthered the fields of Management Studies and Political Science. Upon notification of Kate’s passing, the U of L will flying their flags at half-staff on the day of celebrating her life.
Kate enjoyed skiing and tennis, was an avid reader, had a very strong interest in the historical tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic and was a seasoned world traveler who had visited every continent except Antarctica. One of her favorite destinations was Mount Everest where she had the amazing opportunity to trek to a base camp in the Himalayas with Sherpas. It was just before one of these trips that she met her soul mate, Claudio Chiste, and on March 29, 1980, the couple married.
Kate always fought on the side of the underdog and was a devoted philanthropist. She was an active supporter of the University of Lethbridge Women’s’ Soccer Association, worked with the Salvation Army and was involved with Aboriginal Issues and Affairs. She may be gone from our world, but her accomplishments and contributions to society will live on forever.
She is survived by her loving husband, Claudio Chiste; her mother, Jeanne Beaty; her mother-in-law, Zita Chiste; her sister, Anne Beaty; her sister-in-law, Valeria (Tony) Petrone; her former brother-in-law, Douglas Christie; her nieces, Kate, Sarah & Gabriella as well as her extended family and the many friends she made throughout her life.
She was predeceased by her father, Chester “Chip” Beaty and father-in-law, Lelio Chiste.
A Gathering of Friends celebrating Kate’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 11:00 am at Flumerfelt Park (North of Highway 3 at 77 Street), Coleman, Alberta. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.
Fantin's Funeral Chapel assisting the family. (403) 562-8555.