The woman struck in the head with a hammer earlier this month has died, most likely elevating the attempted murder charge faced by her son to murder or manslaughter.

Kelowna RCMP said today that Kate Grossmith, 57, died over the weekend after several days fighting for her life in hospital. Her son, Conor Frederick Grossmith, was arrested in the family’s Mission Springs Drive home and charged with attempted murder.

“Police will be recommending that the charges be amended as a result of the death of the victim,” said Kelowna RCMP Const. Kris Clark.

Grossmith is the wife of former United Way director Harry Grossmith, who led the United Way's annual fundraising campaign for four years.
The affable executive director known for his cherubic smile resigned in May "to pursue other interests," a news release said.
Grossmith raised more than $1 million each year he headed the campaign, He left his job fundraising for the B.C. Alzheimer Society in early 2008 to take on the job.
Conor Grossmith was to make his first court appearance today.