18-Jan-1930 - 28-Nov-2023
It is with great sadness we inform you of the passing of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, Catherine. Peacefully at Southlake Hospital surrounded by her loving family, she was 93. Catherine's strong faith and belief that the Lord would provide sustained her all her life.
Catherine O'Brien (Cathy or Kay) was born in Sandyford, Dublin Ireland, she spent her early childhood at St Joseph’s in Dún Laoghaire. Catherine and her sister Annie (Nan) moved to the Rose Cottage in Phoenix Park (Páirc an Fhionnuisce) when she was nine. She lived there with her eight brothers and sisters until she married at 25.
She literally chose her future husband Bill Whelan (Liam) on a ladies choice at a local dance; they always loved to dance and were wonderful to watch. Interestingly enough, her future brother-in-law, Kevin Whelan, was playing with the band that night. They got engaged on Catherine's birthday in 1954 and married in August 1955.
They immigrated to Canada in 1958 with their first two children, Bill and Cathy. Once settled, the next four children—Helen, Paula, John, and Bernard—joined the happy family over the next decade. They purchased and renovated a cottage at Musselman’s Lake, which became the family home.
Catherine had several different careers in Ireland and Canada, including a government-funded craft co-operative she was involved in called the Cedars of Musselman's. Her most fulfilling role by far was that of care provider for the Carrick family.
Several years after her husband Bill passed away, Catherine embarked on a two-month solo adventure that took her to various Catholic retreats and ashrams sprinkled throughout north-east India (Gangtok, Sikkim) and Nepal. She hiked the foothills in Nepal, attended local weddings and events, and fell in love with India. She cherished this experience for the rest of her life.
She met Edward Fines (Eddie) at church in Victoria Harbour. When they married in 1999 Catherine was wearing a beautiful Sari she purchased in India. They bought a home in Nanaimo on BC's Vancouver Island and spent many wonderful years there with BC's fantastic nature in their backyard and a view of the ocean in the front.
When Eddie passed away in 2018, Catherine realized it was time to come back to Ontario and the snow she sought to avoid. She made a home and made new friendships at the Chartwell Hollandview Trail in Aurora. The kindness shown to her over the years by the Chartwell staff touched our hearts on more than one occasion.
Catherine leaves a wonderful legacy of six children and their partners whom she adores: Bill (Wendy), Cathy (Bill), Helen (John), Paula (Paul), John (Betty), and Bernard (Nina). Her 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren were cherished. Thank-you to our extended Fines family, Andrew (Susie), their two daughters, and Simon, for their kindness to Catherine when she resided in B.C. with Eddie.
Catherine made life-long friendships due to her good heart and sense of humour. Her childhood friends Carmel and Evelyn mourn her passing, as do many family members in Ireland.
A huge thanks to a dear friend, Kathleen Carrick, for her love and support of Catherine throughout the years. She was a wonderful friend, travel companion, and confidant whom Catherine loved dearly.
Our hearts are heavy yet her spirit lives on in memory.
A Mass and celebration of life will be held on January 13 2024 at 11am, at St Elizabeth Seton, 17955 Leslie Street, Newmarket, ON L3Y 9A4, a small reception will follow. In lieu of flowers please send donation to Southlake Hospital - https://southlake.ca/foundation/support-southlake/ways-to-give/ OR Alzheimer's Society of Ontario - https://alzheimer.ca/on/en
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Arrangements entrusted to Taylor Funeral Home