Kathleen McGee, a beloved stand-up comedian and finalist in Canada’s Top Comic, passed away on Sunday at the age of 43. Her death comes just days after she revealed that she had entered hospice care following a prolonged battle with cancer that lasted for years.

The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival shared the news of McGee’s passing in a tribute on X (formerly Twitter).

“We’re heartbroken to share that our friend Kathleen McGee passed away this weekend. She was such a bright light in our lives, always there with a smile and a joke when we needed it,” they wrote.

“Kathleen made a lasting impact on everyone she met, and her warmth and laughter will be deeply missed. Sending all our love and strength to her family and friends. Rest easy, Kathleen. You’ll always be in our hearts,” they concluded.

McGee began her stand-up career in Edmonton in 2005. Over the years, she piled up accolades. She won the annual Funniest Person With a Day Job competition in 2008. McGee also became a finalist in the SiriusXM competition Canada’s Top Comic in 2017 and earned a nomination for the Canadian Comedy Award in 2019.

She made appearances on Just for Laughs and CBC’s The Debaters, per CTV News. She also co-hosted The Dead Baby Bear Podcast.