Playing bridge became popular in the 1890s. The modern game of contract, or duplicate bridge, was the result of innovations by Harold Stirling Vanderbilt and others in the 1920s in the ways scores were made

Kathleen loved the challenge of competing in tournaments where competitors, in duplicate bridge fashion, hold the same hands of cards and sought to gain the most points. She also immensely enjoyed the social side, and made many great friends over the years. She attended a number of out—of—province tournaments over the years, in places like Toronto, Montreal or Wolfville in neighbouring Nova Scotia. Traveling to tournaments widened Kathleen’s circle of friends and acquaintances. During the evenings, they would rehash the events of the day, compare notes and discuss the finer points of the game.

Kathleen’s proudest achievement in playing bridge was becoming a life master in 1984 during a tournament in Halifax. Becoming a life master was a long—time goal for Kathleen. Designation as a life master is the most highly sought level of achievement in the game, and Kathleen was one of only a handful of Islanders who achieved the designation at that time. To earn that, a player must have accumulated 300 or more master points. The points are awarded by national or other bridge organizations in tournaments conducted under their auspices. Even her Aunt Bine, who had warned Kathleen’s father that he was going to ruin that girl by teaching her to play bridge as such an early age, would have been proud.

Kathleen’s love of playing cards was passed along to her grandchildren. When they were quite young, they played a game called 7—up. Each player is dealt seven cards, and they draw in turn from the remaining cards in the deck. The first player to collect an ace through to the seven wins. Kathleen and her grandchildren played this game for hours on end. Until they were siX or so, the grandchildren always won.

Kathleen also enjoyed informal games of bridge which she would host at her home. Often, people like Father Francis Bolger, Father Alan MacDonald or Father Charlie MacDonald would show up to take part in a game with Kathleen and Bill. Although Bill did not share Kathleen’s

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