Cathy Dolf died peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on March 6, 2025, in Vancouver, BC. She was born on April 27, 1952, in Duncan, BC.
Cathy is survived by her husband Ben, her son Matt with wife Eve and daughter Leyla, her son Nick with husband Jade, and her sisters Caroline and Trish with husband Scott, and will also be dearly missed by her many friends and relatives.
Cathy grew up in Duncan, BC. She loved spending time with friends walking along the Cowichan River, picking blackberries, and spending time with horses. She graduated from Cowichan High and then went to Vancouver to get her Nursing degree. While working at VGH as a registered nurse, she met Ben. They embarked on a lifetime of exploration and travel, living in Montreal, Rwanda, Switzerland, Kathmandu, Victoria, and returning finally to Vancouver. She had a knack for embracing other cultures, learning languages, and throwing herself into adventures.
Cathy was an incredibly loving mother to her two sons. When Nick and Matt were growing up, being there for them was her prime directive. She put her career on hold to dedicate herself to her beloved family. Later in life, she found joy in spending time with her granddaughter Leyla. Cathy was a true caregiver as a nurse and for her family members, including her own mother.
Cathy had a knack for connecting with people and treated everyone with respect. You would always leave a conversation with Cathy feeling better afterwards. She was happiest in the company of others…ideally with a cup of tea. She was also a magnet for children and puppies.
Cathy was a passionate gardener. She loved to guerrilla garden, beautifying any space she could with flowers and moss.
She left us with a wish to be kind to ourselves and one another.
The funeral service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 2:00 pm, followed by the burial at nearby Royal Oak Cemetery and a reception back at McCall Gardens.
Understanding that many of you live far away, we have also arranged for a live stream option (available 15 minutes prior to the service): https://bit.ly/cathy-dolf-service
The family wish to thank all of Cathy’s friends, neighbours, relatives, and medical team who cared for her over the last several years. Cathy also wanted everyone to know how much she loved your visits and your support.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the charities that Cathy supported:
• Médecins sans Frontières
• BC Cancer
• BC SPCA
• CARE Canada
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Karen & Bert Harrison (Metchosin)
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Kenan Sweezie I worked with Cathy at a long term care home. What a positive and caring person she was! I have a wonderful memory of the time I visited her home in Victoria just after her dog had puppies. What a fun visit that was! My condolences to the family. May your memories of her make you smile!
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Chris Jang I only got to see Cathy a few times over the years but she never changed, always so friendly and fun and loving. She will be missed by so many, a life well lived and a life well loved. RIP Cathy!
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Noy Leksinski In the time I knew Cathy, I was struck by her positive outlook on life and general kindness. She had such a passion for gardening. My daughter loved playing with her and the dogs, and learning about gardening from Cathy.
She has such love for her family and it showed every time she spoke of them. My thoughts are with you during this time.
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Russ Getz I am so sorry to learn of Cathy’s passing. My deepest sympathies go out to all her family. None of us who were fortunate enough to know Cathy will ever forget the kindness and joy she always brought to those around her.
So sorry to read of Cathy’s passing, and too late to attend her service. Heartfelt sympathy to Ben & family. Cathy and I met as nursing co-workers and became friends. Although we lost touch in the later years I will always remember her warm, fun personality. Rest in peace dear friend.