Frances Kathryn (Kathy) Andrew

It is with profound sadness that her family announces the death of Frances Kathryn (Kathy) Andrew of Charlottetown, age 72, at the St. John Regional Hospital on Thursday, August 21 following cardiac surgery complications.

Kathy is lovingly remembered by brother Roger (Lenore) Andrew, sister Linda Patton, sister-in-law Christine Andrew along with nieces and nephews Melissa (Lukas) and Alan (Stephanie), Fiona (Tyler) and Alicia (Josh), Stephen (Sarah) and Ashley (Jeff). Predeceased by her parents Wallace and Georgia (Matheson) Andrew, infant sister Joyce Andrew, brother John Andrew, and brother-in-law Donald Patton.

Kathy was a beloved sister, aunt, teacher, musician, and friend. She grew up on the family farm in East Royalty, attended East Royalty School, Charlottetown Rural High School, and graduated from Acadia University.

Kathy will be remembered for her quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and deep love for her pets, her students, her family, and her community. She lived with quiet purpose and deep compassion, always offering her time, care, and presence to others.

After working as a dietician for several years she followed her true calling and became a music teacher, an endeavor she approached with dedication and excellence. She earned her ARCT designation from the Royal Conservatory of Music and went on to teach for nearly 40 years from her thriving home studio in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Kathy was both a Music for Young Children (MYC) educator and private piano teacher, known not just for her skill but for her generosity of spirit. She mentored countless students, many of whom achieved high honors and some who pursued music professionally. Her goal was for them to progress in their ability and enjoy making music. She was a pillar in the MYC and Nova Scotia music teaching communities, rarely missing a meeting, supporting colleagues, mentoring younger teachers, and helping organize national conferences and provincial events. Her music-themed sugar cookies were as iconic as her warm encouragement.

Her involvement extended to the Nova Scotia Registered Music Teachers’ Association, where she served as both Provincial Registrar and President of the local chapter. Always working quietly behind the scenes, Kathy helped organize recitals, competitions, workshops, and more; her leadership felt in every event she touched.

Kathy also served for over 15 years as the pianist at Foundation Baptist Church in Porters Lake, where her music anchored Sunday morning worship services and special events. Even after moving back to Charlottetown in retirement, she continued contributing remotely, recording music for the congregation she still considered family.

In retirement on PEI Kathy was active in organizing the Queens County Music Festival, shared her musical skills at Park Royal United Church, continued to teach piano students, and contributed her accompanying skills with Definitely Not The Symphony in Charlottetown.

Outside of her musical life, Kathy had a deep love for animals and volunteered with ElderDog. She also sponsored a child through Big Brothers Big Sisters, sang in choirs, maintained a beautiful yard, and was an active member of the Royal Commonwealth Society. She took great pride in her thoughtful gestures, remembering birthdays, sending cards, and delighting her family with gifts of her famous pickle relish.

Kathy will be lovingly remembered by her family, friends, students, colleagues, and all who had the joy of knowing her. Her legacy lives on in the music she shared, the lives she touched, and the example she set for how to live with kindness and grace.

She will be deeply missed.

The Funeral will take place at Park Royal United Church, Charlottetown at 1:30 on Saturday, August 30th with a reception following at Belvedere Funeral Home. The funeral service will be livestreamed via the following link Remembering Kathy. If you have difficulty accessing the livestream, please call 1-877-895-2739 for assistance. 

Memorial donations may be made in Kathy’s memory directly to Central United Church Cemetery, ElderDog Canada, or a charity of your choice.