Kimberly Lucille O’Grady (nee MacLeod)

Kimberly Lucille O’Grady (nee MacLeod) passed away peacefully at Hospice Simcoe in Barrie, ON, on March 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of her daughters and family.

Kim was deeply cherished by her daughters, Elise and Laura (Gabe). She is survived by her mother, Carole, her brothers Malcolm (Kelly), Stephen (Judy), and Andrew. She is predeceased by her father, Malcolm and her sister-in-law, Kendra. She will be missed dearly by her nieces and nephews; Courtney (James), Liam (Claire), Scott, Sean (Danny), Sam, Laird (Grace), Emily (Aaron & Hugo), and Jeff (Emily).

Born in Toronto and raised in Georgetown, Kim’s beautiful, big eyes took in the world with wonder and curiosity. Kim was an older sister to three younger brothers, a fate not for the faint of heart, but she paved the way through the formative years, and was always there to listen, advise and counsel from a place of love and genuine kindness. Growing up in Georgetown was fantastic for the MacLeod kids. Participating in the GDHS Swim Team, spending every weekend of winter on the slopes of Caledon Ski Club, and every summer on the sands of Camp Kitchikewana and The Bay of Fundy. Kim embraced every aspect of these adventures, making many lifelong friends along the way. Kim’s parents instilled the love of travel with trips across Canada and the United States at a time when it was acceptable to put four kids in the back of a station wagon. Kim travelled to Europe with her parents and again after graduation, leading to her self-proclaimed title as “the most worldly sibling”. The importance of family and traditions were paramount in the MacLeod home.

Her intelligence, creativity and tenacity led her to study Physical Education at Western University, where she was a member of the competitive swim team. She went on to attend Lakehead University for Teacher’s College. After graduating, she taught in Midland and at the Peel District School Board before eventually finding her home at Oakley Park in Barrie, where she spent the rest of her career, totaling 35 years teaching.

Kim loved being a teacher, a career that allowed her to experience joy and laughter every day. Kim once wrote that there was truly nothing like sharing a beautifully illustrated read-aloud, splashing in puddles, inventing snow marble runs, watching chicks hatch, and sharing her love of learning with kindergarten children.

The two luckiest kids, however, were Laura and Elise, Kim’s daughters. Kim absolutely adored her daughters, whom she raised alongside her previous partner, Marty. She made every day special, and special days truly magical. She cherished every moment of motherhood, and as the girls grew up, motherly duties shifted to leave more space for mutual admiration and respect, friendship and adventure.

Retirement brought a period of self-reflection, creative discovery and unwavering dedication to family. Notably, she spent time in Salt Lake City supporting her parents. She also lived in Ottawa to be closer to her girls and it was there that she discovered a natural inclination for pottery. Throughout these years, she traveled, she painted, she baked, she took care of others, and she fiercely supported her girls in following their dreams.

In December of 2024, Kim was diagnosed with Stage IV uterine cancer. She went to every appointment with her fierce protectors, note-takers and advocates, Kelly and Joanne, and would meet Bonnie afterwards for some guaranteed chuckles. The journey was difficult and unfair. However, true to Kim’s character, she found moments of joy, laughter, friendship, creativity, and adventure throughout. Thank you to the kind-hearted care teams at Barrie’s Royal Victoria Hospital Cancer Program, The Cancer & Palliative Inpatient Unit, and Simcoe Hospice. Thank you to Kelly and Malcolm for their unwavering generosity, kindness and support for Kim during this journey.

This past Christmas, Kim tossed caution to the wind and was determined to make a trip to Mexico with Laura and Elise a reality. Here, the trio basked in the sun by the ocean, drank sugar-rimmed margaritas, and celebrated the New Year with fireworks on the beach. The girls will cherish these memories forever.

Kim loved deeply, laughed contagiously and was everyone's biggest cheerleader, no matter how big or small the accomplishment. She was the quintessential kindergarten teacher. Kim will forever be remembered for her compassion, appreciation for life, adventurous spirit and her love of chocolate. We miss you, Kimmy. You’ll always be in our hearts and in our group hug.