Long-time Etobicoke resident Kathleen Hatcher was beginning to enjoy life after retirement when all her dreams were snatched away from her.

Hatcher, 67, retired in December from Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Adult Learning Centre, where she worked as an assessor for the Essential Skills Upgrading Program since 2003.

Police believe Hatcher in crisis called 911 for help on February 26 on her cell phone as she laid dying on a trail in King’s Mill Park.

She passed away in the cold before emergency personnel could get to the scene.

Her son has been charged in connection with her death.

“She was looking for help,” Insp. Andy Singh told reporters. “She was looking for assistance from the police because she was in crisis.”

It was just after 10:45 a.m. on Friday when Singh said officers were called to a trail in King’s Mill Park, near the TTC’s Old Mill subway station and the Humber River.

Hatcher was found by 22 Division officers suffering from “very significant” injuries. She died a short time later.

According to her social media, she studied English and communications at Seton Hall University and hailed originally from New York.

“She’s being remembered as an extraordinary person who was wonderful with learners and colleagues and will be dearly missed,” Ryan Bird, of the Toronto District School Board told reporters. “We extend our sincere condolences to Kathleen’s loved ones and former co-workers following her tragic passing.”

Her friends said she had at least two grown children and adored her grandson.

“She was full of joy,” a friend said. “She wanted to be with her family as much as she could. She loved to read, loved movies.”

She is known to have regularly attended the Toronto International Film Festival.

Friends said Hatcher had recently moved to an apartment in the Old Mill area and would show on her social media accounts, the view she had from her condo.

“She just loved being outdoors in nature and travelling,” the friend said. “This is such a shock, so tragic.”

Hatcher was a member Etobicoke Quilters’ Guild, where she taught members about the craft in workshops.

Colin Hatcher, 37, has been charged with second degree murder and is before the courts.

Officers are urging anyone who was in the park on February 26 between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. who may have heard cries for help or saw anything suspicious to call police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.