Catharine Read, beloved mother of Nathan and Noah Read, died May 27, 2026, in Victoria after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 74. She lived and died surrounded by the love of her family and many loving friends. Her two sons and dear friend Molly were with her for a peaceful passing.
Catharine was born in Friesland, Netherlands, on May 26, 1952, and grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. She was blessed with 3 sisters: Vera (m. Wayne); Diane and Ingrid (m. Ron) and brother Rick (m. Lynn). She was a devoted aunt to her beloved nieces and nephews. Catharine was a brilliant student, graduating with honours from Queen’s University with an economics degree and a life-long commitment to public service.
Catharine was a senior public sector executive who spent over two decades in high-level roles across British Columbia and the Yukon. In the Yukon she served as the Public Service Commissioner and Deputy Minister of the Executive Council Office. In B.C. she held a variety of Deputy Minister positions and was Chair of the Passenger Transportation Board. Catharine was dedicated to improving the well-being of First Nations and worked to support many First Nations communities across B.C. and the Yukon and on treaty settlements. Caring about all members of society was her greatest source of fulfillment, serving on the boards of Our Place Society and the James Bay Community Project.
The greatest joy of Catharine’s life were her sons, Nathan (m. Sara) and Noah (m. Amy). As a single mother, she raised them to be outstanding young men and fathers themselves to Zane, Summer and Roland. Catharine loved taking her children and grand children on adventures, as well as hosting family dinners.
Catharine will be deeply missed by her sons, grandchildren, and family and many devoted friends and the community of Victoria where she was loved and respected by neighbours and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cool Aid Society and/or MAiD House in Victoria, B.C.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens
This obituary is the property of the ” Brouwer Read ” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Robin McLay
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David Zirnhelt Catharine was a srar recruit in the public service of the Harcourt government. I was proud. to be the Minister of the Economic Development Ministry.
. She was a great recruit professionally but also a pleasure to work with. My condolances to the family.
David Zirnhelt
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Randy Panter You are too good to be gone so soon! We are missing you. Please give our love to Allison when you see her. Love, Cat and Randy
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Brenda Edwards I am so very sorry for your loss. I was lucky to work alongside your Mum when I was in the Premier’s Office and she was a Deputy. As a slightly younger woman, I learned a lot from chatting with her and watching how she conducted herself. She was an inspiration.
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David Matviw I am so sorry to hear that Catherine passed away. She was a great boss and an even better friend! One of my best memories is of her invitation to Christmas dinner the year that my wife Sue passed away. I remember closing my eyes and listening to the happy voices of her family. That really cheered me up.
Subsequently I enjoyed many dinners and visits with her, Nate and Noah and Molly.
I also recall a dinner when her parents were also there when a “friend “ told a very off color joke but dinner continued as if it hadn’t happened.
Catherine was a special person- I am sorry that we lost touch the last few years.
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Ruth Sawlor Ruth Sawlor
Very sorry to hear that Catherine has passed away. My deepest sympathy to her family. I would on occasion see her while on a walk and enjoyed very much our little chats.
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Valerie Sovran (Mitchell) Dear Nate and Noah
My deepest condolences to you and your families on the loss of your wonderful mother and grandmother to your dear children. Your mom made the world a better place. I had the pleasure and honour of meeting her when we were colleagues in Deputies Council. She brought professionalism and integrity to all of her work and relationships and was universally respected. And while her commitment to excellence at work was important, nothing held a candle to her love of being a mom. Our conversations always began with asking about each other’s kids before we got on to business. I am so grateful we ran into each other recently at Thrify’s parking lot. We had a lovely chat about our kids and about the joys of being grandmothers. It is a memory I cherish and will hold forever in my heart.
Your mom made the world a better place.
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Tom Harrington Nate and Noah my loving sympathy for your loss of a beautiful woman and mother to you both. my partner Dimitri and I were extremely do ond of Catharine. she was a kind, loving soul and she will be missed terribly. my kindest regards to you both and your families. I know she was so happy and proud of you both and your beautiful children.
My sincere condolences to Catharine’s family and loved ones. Catharine was a friend, mentor, and colleague, and someone I admired greatly. She was a remarkable champion of social justice and public service who devoted so much of her life to improving the lives of others, including through her commitment to First Nations communities in British Columbia and the Yukon.
She brought compassion, integrity, wisdom, and a deep sense of purpose to everything she did. I feel very fortunate to have known her and to have learned from her. Catharine will be deeply missed, but her impact on so many people and communities will endure. Her legacy will live on.