Passed away on February 28, 2020 at VGH. Homemaker, expatriate, gardener, genealogist. Cathreen was born on December 12, 1933 in Westport, New Zealand. Predeceased by her son, Martin (Linnea) in 1984, Cathreen is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Alfred (Fred); daughters, Ann (Hugo) and Wendy (Chris) and grandchildren, Raphaella, James and Alexander.
Cathreen was a proud 5th generation New Zealander who sojourned in the US and UK before making Victoria her home for the last 51 years. She became the family historian and was esteemed for generously sharing her genealogical discoveries with relatives around the world.
Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, we were not able to celebrate Cathreen’s life with a memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Genealogical Society, 209 – 4475 Viewmont Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8Z 6L8 or http://www.victoriags.org.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Dorothy Cooper
-
Johanne Priestley Just Seen This, As It Is Now Cathreen’s Birthdate, And Would Like To Put A Wee Note, Acknowledging Our Love For Her! What A Matriarch, So Many Lovely Memories Of Cathreen & Fred, Arohanui From Johanne Priestley & All The Gear, Morrow, Moiser Families In Gisborne, New Zealand!
-
Allan & Sue McGhie Dear Fred & Family….Allan & I were sad to see on Facebook that Cathreen had passed away earlier this year. Cathreen left fond memories here in New Zealand. Our thoughts are with you Fred and your Family. … Allan & Sue McGhie
-
Lynda Gear Buxton To Fred, Ann, Wendy & families
I was so sad to hear of Cathreen’s passing. We shared many a long conversation about our shared family history. She helped me a lot when I first started researching and we enjoyed sharing our discoveries. The anticipation when a parcel from her turned up in the post!
She was far more than just a genealogist though. She was a wife, mother and grandmother, cousin. She will be missed.
Much love.
-
Frances Beckham Dear Ann Wendy and Families, it is with a heavy heart that I say good bye to Cathreen for the final time after many, many, long chat’s about our Incredibly Large Family Tree that stretched all around the world and back, finding out about our past history. I’m sure Cathreen will remain in your hearts forever as she surely will with me. As a first cousin, we could so easily have been sisters and over the years our contacts have come and gone but our memories still remain. Our deepest sympathy to you all and I hope you feel our arms around you
-
Pat Dolamore and James Cummings So sad to hear of Cathreen’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all at this time of loss.
Cathreen has been such a huge part of our lives and we enjoyed, and now miss, her weekly chatty phone calls.
Her prowess of ferreting out our distant family was wonderful and the sharing was much appreciated by us. Her enthusiasm was very infectious, and decided me to hunt out and find missing links in my family.
We so loved her and we miss her so much. As I know you all will.
-
Bev & John McInerney Dear Fred & Family: Bev and I send our heartfelt condolences. Having recently observed our 60th anniversary we understand your deep sense of loss but also the comfort so many happy memories from your 64 year partnership will bring. Bev & John McInerney
-
Susan Service Dear Fred and family, I am very sorry for your loss and am thinking of you with sympathy.
-
Diana Gaiger So sorry to hear of Cathreen’s passing. I had the pleasure of knowing her at VGS for a number of years. Cathreen was always well informed on her research, appreciated help & was always open to helping others when she could.She always cheered our day. Thank you Cathreen.
To Fred, it is now 4th January 2021. I have only just found the obituary for Cathreen and was saddened and shocked, especially to read that you have not been able to have a proper service of farewell for her. She was a very special person. It was lovely to have you both stay with me in my home in Auckland when you came to New Zealand for a visit and I will never forget your hospitality to myself and my friend Barbara when we came to Victoria after our Alaskan cruise. Cathreen shared so much of her family history research with me and for that I will ever be grateful Because of her I have photos and information about my ancestors that I would otherwise not have had. Thank you Cathreen and my condolences to you Fred and the family