Cathy died in the arms of her loving husband David at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC after a brief illness. In addition to David, she is survived by her son Michael, daughter-in-law Courtney and grandchildren Rory and Quinn; sisters Maura and Aileen; brothers Dermot and Frank; sisters-in-law Valerie, Wendy and Sandy; brother-in-law Richard; nieces Megan, Caitlin and Dayna; and nephews James, Andrew, Matthew, Tim, Kieran and Peter. Cathy was pre-deceased by her brother Gerry.
Cathy was born in London, England, and immigrated with her family to Canada in 1952, settling in Wainwright, Alberta, where she grew up. After the early death of their mother the family moved to Calgary, where she obtained Canadian citizenship. She finished her high schooling at St. Mary’s Girls High School there, and moved on to the University of Calgary, graduating with a BSc in Zoology in 1968. Cathy and Dave met in September, 1967 and married in 1970. Mike arrived in 1984.
Cathy initially took a position as technician in George Din’s microbiology laboratory at U of C. She was an avid reader and book lover, causing her to move on to a position at the Calgary Public Library, there assisting readers first in Business, Science and Technology, then Humanities, until her retirement in 2007. She, Dave, and Mike loved hiking and camping in the mountains of southwestern Alberta and throughout BC. She and Dave travelled extensively in Canada, the US, the UK and Ireland, Cuba, Mexico, Europe and New Zealand, favouring walking the lands and cities wherever possible.
Cathy’s landscaping and gardening were her forte. Her garden at the couple’s Briar Hill address in Calgary drew praise from all their visitors; a veritable pocket park on the edge of the inner city. But of all her enthusiasms, her grandchildren Rory and Quinn took first place in her heart. Her loss leaves an immense hole in the lives of all who knew her.
A Celebration of Catherine’s Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 2:00pm. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Barbara Newman
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Kathy Lewis I am so sad to hear of Cathy’s passing. I so enjoyed singing along side her with the Choristers of the Calgary Winter Club. My sincere condolences to her family.
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Ashley Proceviat I will remember Cathy from our times together in the Mariposa Bookclub. Cathy always came so well prepared with thoughtful notes and such interesting contributions to our discussions. Even when she was in Campbell River she joined us on Zoom. My most heartfelt condolences to Dave and her family. We will miss her suggestions for books to read at our annual lunch and we will miss her warm smile.
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Leah Kinsella Cannot believe Cathy will not grace our house in Bray again. We always looked forward to your visits. Deepest condolences to you Michael and all the family.
Love Leah and Jules
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Martha Peters Dear Dave and Mike/ extended family. I was so sorry to hear the news of Cath,s passing today. I hope you had a great send off for her today. Sending love and hugs your way!♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
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Deborah Grant What a kind and wonderful woman Cathy was..I also worked with her at CPL for many years. No one could ask for a better person to assist them during a library visit. The rest of us were lucky to have worked with her.
My condolences to her family. I’m sure she has wrapped you in memories to be cherished always. God bless.
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Susan Keeley Dave – so sorry to hear of your loss! Sending condolences to you and all your family!
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Georgia Jacques I worked with Cathy for many years at the Calgary Public Library. A more loyal, delightful friend could not be found. My heart goes out to Dave and Michael and all of the family. She will be sorely missed. May your memories sustain you through this difficult time.
I first met Cathy when our sons started school. I also knew her through the Calgary Winter Club exercise classes and the plus 55 Choristers. I always enjoyed our many conversations.
Dave, Michael and family please accept my sincere condolences.