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Honouring Kathleen Connors: A National Leader Who Made Newfoundland and Labrador Home
April 4, 2025
Canada’s nursing and labour communities are mourning the loss of Kathleen Connors — a trailblazing nurse, advocate, and leader whose impact will be felt for generations.
“Kathleen Connors was a leader who understood the power of collective action,” said RNUNL President Yvette Coffey. “She stood firmly for nurses, for labour, and for public health care. Her legacy is one of courage, vision, and unwavering solidarity. We are grateful she chose to call Newfoundland and Labrador home.”
Kathleen was born on May 5, 1952, in Darlingford, a farming community in rural southeast Manitoba. The eldest of three girls, she began her education in a one-room schoolhouse near her home but was always proud to have graduated from Nellie McClung Collegiate, a school named after the renowned Canadian suffragist.
Growing up, Kathleen was an active member of 4-H, where she focused on home economics and public speaking, while her sisters showed cattle. She often spoke fondly of family Sunday drives to Dairy Queen, Saturday night trips to Manitou, and cheering her sisters on at sporting events.
She graduated from the two-year Registered Nursing program at St. Boniface Hospital in 1972, where she forged many lifelong friendships. Her nursing career began in Thompson, Manitoba, at Thompson General Hospital. It was there she met her husband Cyril, welcomed their daughter Kara, and became actively involved in her local union — setting the stage for a life of leadership in nurse advocacy.
A founding force behind the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU), Kathleen helped draft the federation’s constitution in 1979 and attended its founding convention in 1981. She was elected CFNU President in 1983, a role she held for nearly two decades. Under her leadership, the federation grew to represent more than 125,000 nurses, elevating the voice of unionized nurses at the national level.
“Kathleen inspired us to have bold voices as nurses, to stand up for our patients, our communities and public health care,” said Linda Silas, CFNU President. “Her legacy lives on in the strong voices of nurses and advocates across the country.”
Kathleen’s advocacy extended beyond health care. She served on the Executive Council of the Canadian Labour Congress and later as Chairperson of the Canadian Health Coalition, where she was a tireless defender of public health care and an outspoken advocate for a national pharmacare program.
In the late 1990s, Kathleen faced a personal battle with ovarian and bowel cancer. After surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, she went into remission — and remained cancer-free for decades.
In 2003, Kathleen and Cyril retired to Pouch Cove, Cyril’s hometown, to enjoy a slower pace of life. Tragically, Cyril passed away in 2006. Kathleen found new energy and purpose through the arrival of her granddaughters, Kyleigh and Gracie, whom she adored.
She remained active in public life, running as the NL NDP candidate in Cape St. Francis during the 2007 provincial election. Her commitment to justice, equity, and public service continued to guide her long after formal retirement.
Her leadership left a lasting impression on Newfoundland and Labrador’s labour movement. During her time as CFNU President, she had planned a national nursing convention in St. John’s. But when Transport Canada workers were on strike and picketing the airport, Kathleen took a bold stand.
According to one member of the province’s labour movement, Kathleen wrote to The Telegram and the Board of Trade, warning that if the labour dispute wasn’t resolved, the convention would be relocated. When the strike continued, she followed through — moving the event to Toronto. It was a powerful act of solidarity that many still remember today.
“Nursing and the labour movement have lost an icon,” said former RNUNL President Debbie Forward. “Kathleen was a leader, advocate, mentor, educator, activist — and most of all, a nurse. I’ll remember her passion, her positivity, and her big smile.”
Kathleen was recognized in her later years for her lifelong service to community, receiving both provincial and federal honours. Her legacy will also live on through a forthcoming scholarship in her name, which will support students from rural Newfoundland and Labrador pursuing careers in nursing.
Final Arrangements & Legacy
Visitation will be held at Caul’s Funeral Home, Torbay, on Sunday, April 6 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The funeral will take place at Memorial United Church, Pouch Cove on Monday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at St. Agnes Cemetery. A celebration of Kathleen’s life will follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathleen’s memory to Northeast Avalon Memorial Gardens Inc.
E-transfers can be sent to: neamgi22@gmail.com (17 Everson Road, Flatrock, NL A1K 1M4).
To read the full obituary or share a message of condolence, please visit:
www.cauls.ca/obituary/kathleen-connors