Lyla Kathryn “Kathy” Forrest, 71, of Mississauga, passed away peacefully on March 7th, 2025 at Dorothy Ley Hospice with her soulmate of 49 years, Wally Urbanski, and their beloved border collie, Loki, at her side. Kathy fought a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Kathy was born on October 5th, 1953, to John “Jack” Forrest and Doreen Forrest (nee MacDonald) in North Bay, Ontario. She attended the Perth-Huron Regional School of Nursing in Stratford, Ontario and became a Registered Nurse in 1974. Her passion for nursing and adventure led her around the world, working as an RN in Toronto, Australia, and Calgary. Kathy spent the majority of her nursing career in the operating room, retiring in 2020 from Trillium Health Partners. Her caring nature extended beyond her own practice, supporting novice nurses throughout her career, and winning the Nursing Practice Award in 2015 in recognition of her enthusiasm and commitment to learning, mentorship, and patient care.

Kathy married the love of her life, Wally Urbanski, on July 30, 1983 and welcomed their son, Matthew in 1987. Kathy loved her family deeply, excited to spend retirement with Wally, Matthew, her daughter-in-law, Melissa, and grandchildren Rowan and Aster. Kathy was overjoyed to learn before her passing that a third grandson would arrive in summer 2025.

Kathy is survived by her siblings Ron Forrest (Mary Lynne) of North Bay, Darylene Forrest of Orillia, and Jim Forrest of Orillia; sister-in-law Dianna Laredo of Ottawa; nieces Sara Forrest (Andrew) of Sudbury, Courtney Houldsworth (Greg) of Hawkestone, Amy Forrest (Neil) of North Bay, Caitlyn Forrest (Sean) of Orillia, and Aurielle Laredo of Ottawa. Special great-aunt to Nolan, Linden, Finlay, Charlotte, Jack, Ivy, Caleb, and Rylan.

Kathy and Wally loved to travel, recently visiting Italy in October 2024 where they celebrated climbing Mount Vesuvius. Travel was always better with special friends, and they enjoyed seeing Jamaica, Ireland, Portugal, the US East Coast and the Canadian Rockies with Peggy and Gary Deschamps and Bev and Doug Mosdell who will miss her friendship dearly. Kathy will be deeply missed by long time best friends Barry and Hilary Marquart. Kathy spent many early mornings at her favourite dog park with her friends Marlene, Kim, and Tim, and their dogs. Her work family will also undoubtedly miss her, including her Q site dear friends Judith and Bev.

Wally and Family would like to sincerely thank Credit Valley Hospital and the Dorothy Ley Hospice for the amazing care and comfort provided in Kathy’s final days.

Friends and family are welcome to join for a celebration of life on Saturday, March 22, 2025 between 4 to 7 p.m. at Turner & Porter, Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., in Mississauga.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dorothy Ley Hospice in Etobicoke.