Mary Catherine Doyle, 77, of Victoria, BC, passed away peacefully on February 7th, 2023.
Mary Catherine, also Catherine, Cathy or Kate to her work colleagues and friends, was born in New Westminster on October 10, 1945, the daughter of Mary (Mimi) née Keary, and John Doyle. She is survived by her sister, Virginia (Ginny) Rainer of Toronto, Ontario, and Ginny’s son, Matthew Terry. She is also survived by Kevin Parsons, her (deceased) cousin Patsy’s son, and by relatives throughout the lower mainland and Victoria, BC.
Catherine attended and graduated from St. Ann’s Academy in New Westminster. Upon graduation she studied to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She subsequently worked at St. Vincents Hospital in Vancouver and later enrolled in the RN program at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. Following her graduation as an RN, Catherine stayed at RJH and worked the entirety of her illustrious nursing career there. She initially began her career on 2W and then moved to the Recovery Room, which was a place she truly loved being and suited her generous and optimistic spirit so very well.
Catherine was very sociable with a wonderful sense of humour, and had many close friends throughout Victoria, the lower mainland and farther afield. She took tap dance lessons until she was in her ’60’s, she loved her bridge and wine nights, and her book club. She was such a positive person and was always up for visits, brunches and lunches with friends and family. She was particularly thrilled to fulfill a dream by vacationing in Maui over Christmas in 2019 with her cousin Mike (from Penticton) and his children and four grandchildren. She grew close to two of those children, Oliver and Ben, whom she considered grandchildren. She loved family dinners at her cousin Candy’s here in Victoria and a highlight was hearing Candy’s daughter, Kate, play the piano so beautifully.
Catherine’s Catholic faith was very important to her and she was a member of Holy Cross Church. She proudly worked with the Syrian family that the Church helped immigrate to Victoria. She also had a close connection in friendship and faith with Father Dino.
In the fall of 2021, she became ill with heart problems and was given just a few months to live. After staying in Hospice, she miraculously returned to her home where she could continue a quieter, socially active life for many months, which she considered a gift. She loved the Arts community in Victoria and was a proud supporter of the ballet, symphony and theatre scene for decades. Catherine was known for her detailed gift wrapping – the ribbon always matched the bag and tissue inside – and her hand written notes were treasured by many. Whether it was a beach in Hawaii, or lunch with friends she would show up with her hair curled neatly, and always wearing lipstick. Catherine was deeply loved and will be forever missed.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 3rd, 2023, at 1:00 pm, at Holy Cross Catholic Parish, 4049 Gordon Head Road, Victoria BC. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Victoria Hospice, Richmond Pavillion.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
15 Responses
Auntie Kate. So generous and deeply caring. I am so very sad to hear of your passing.
Catherine was the cousin of my Mother, Pat, and was always a presence as long as I can remember, as far back as my single-digit years (I’m 55) Many wonderful adventures were had by myself and my late sister Susanne when we accompanied Catherine. A trip on a hydrofoil, a first flight on a jet, these are some of my earliest memories, and I will treasure them always. I realize this was probably more about giving my Mum a short spell for some time to herself, she being a single mother. Catherine was also an immense help to me recently while Mum was undergoing chemotherapy, and later during her extended stay in hospice, we would alternate visits due to restrictions during the pandemic. Catherine would take the order and return the next visit to deliver a couple of sausage rolls from “The Dutch” or maybe a Teen-burger to a very appreciative patient. I dont think I will ever meet a more selfless, giving or thoughtful person, and I feel extremely lucky to have enjoyed many wonderful times when Catherine shared our table.
Cathy and I meet in Jan’68 as we became roommates at the RJH School of Nursing. There started a lifelong friendship of caring and sharing of life’s many milestones. She was a much valued golden thread of my life’s tapestry.
We were blessed to have one last year to walk her final journey of life. I will treasure each visit and outing we shared enjoying bedside visits, music, theatre, shopping and meals.
Thank you dear friend. I know you are at rest in God’s care and comfort.
Warmest condolences to her family.
Mary Ross-Klektau and Deg Klektau
My main memory of Catherine is opening my eyes in the Jubilee Hospital recovering room (many years ago) and seeing a smiling Catherine by my side. She had a very peaceful presence.
I met Catherine through her cousin Pat Parsons, who was also a nurse.
Both ladies had a great sense of humour and I always thought treated each other as sisters.
When Pat was diagnosed with cancer, Catherine and I would take turns driving Pat to appointments.
I had no idea that Catherine was also facing life threatening health issues.
It was a priviledge to know them both and if a reunion is possible on the otherside, there certainly will be lively conversations with lots of laughter.
My darling Catherine , with a C, my last link to the Keary family. Brendan and I loved our times visiting our Victoria-link .
Your visits to West Van were always a source of laughter and love,that will be missed.
We were both blessed having you in our lives. Now it is time for you to share your love with all those who have departed.
♥️♥️ Bill and Brendan