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Kathleen Coburn Donnelly was born on August 10, 1935, in Carmen, Manitoba. She worked as a painter and professional printmaker in Manitoba, where she was influenced by the regional surrealism associated with the University of Manitoba's School of Art. Her work appeared in exhibitions alongside students and colleagues of influential surrealist instructor Robert Nelson, who taught at the School of Art beginning in 1953, and his student Ivan Eyre, both of whom shaped a generation of Manitoba surrealist artists. For a time, Donnelly owned the former Kilmory School building, which had served as a schoolhouse until 1967. She was remembered for her quiet, humble nature and her dedication to her faith, family, and artistic practice. Kathleen Coburn Donnelly passed away in 2022.