CATHERINE MARIE GALTS

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CATHERINE MARIE GALTS

(THORBURN)

Catherine Marie Galts passed away at the age of 90, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 24, 2024. She was born to the late Maurice and Emma Jane Thorburn on January 4, 1934.

Cathy leaves to mourn her husband of 67 years, Gary, three children, Wayne and Marla, Cindy and Greg, and Susan and Ron; grandchildren, Joey (Karly), Sam (Anthony), Danny (Samantha), TJ (Kyjsa), Josh, Jamie (Meghan) and Carter along with four great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Reese, Rylan and Paxton, Mom’s “Little Darlings”. Cathy is also survived by her sister Shirley, sister in-law Leona and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cathy grew up alongside her sister Shirley. Their Mom passed away at a very young age leaving the girls at the ages of 11 and 12, which left them to help, guide and be there for each other throughout their lives every step of the way. Many thought they were twins as Mom would always be very proud to say. They did everything together and had a very special bond throughout their entire lives.

Cathy attended Earl Grey School and then moved onto Kelvin High School. She was then hired by W.G. McMahon Ltd., where she worked until her first child, Wayne was born in 1960. She then became a full time Mom to all three of her children until 1981 when she became an employee of Kelly Services. Mom received a job assignment with Kelly Services at St. Johns Ravenscourt as an Administrative Assistant, where she continued to work for 10 years until her retirement in 1996,

Cathy married the love of her life Gary on October 6, 1956, where they lived in an apartment for two years until they bought their first home which they remained in until August of 2022. Dad nicknamed Mom Fritz back in the very early years of their courtship which Mom would always answer to without fail. Mom and Dad could always be found doing things together. Their time at the lake was a very big passion, especially in the garden. Dad with the vegetables (best potatoes ever!) and Mom with the flowers throughout the garden and all over the yard. She loved caring for every single flower and every year they looked amazing and vibrant which made Mom very proud. Their trip to Hawaii in 1979 was one of the best trips they ever did together. The memories never faded and could be explained like they were just there yesterday. They truly were a perfect pair always complimenting each other in whatever life brought their way.

Cathy was very involved in the community for many years, from coordinator of The Lance flyer deliveries, dance convenor for Westridge Community Centre, to sewing an abundance of costumes for her daughters and anyone else who needed a hand in getting one prepared for the next up and coming dance recital. As well she was always there cheering at hockey games for her son and definitely not liking when the game became more aggressive and there was more chance of getting hurt. Mom always did everything with pride and lots of love giving every task, whether it was big or small, her best effort to see they were all done to perfection.

Cathy enjoyed their cabin at Twin Lakes Beach for many years, especially all the card games with their favourite neighbours and dear friends, Reg and Joan Haley. Mom’s favourite holiday at the lake was Thanksgiving, where Mom and Dad would host the whole extended family for a feast second to none, with everyone enjoying the day of festivities followed by a huge dinner, a very full table, with close to 30 all gathered for good food, good drinks and great company. This occasion was always celebrated with great anticipation until the flood of 2011 took the cottage/yard away from Mom and Dad leaving a definite void in their lives.

Mom loved doing many hobbies and crafts. Mom had a great desire for art in her younger years, which she would sketch and draw at every opportunity amazing pictures that looked like they belonged in an art gallery. Mom’s many other hobbies included needlepoint, paper tole, ceramics, knitting, baking, cooking, canning (pickled beets and relish were definitely the most desired by all), making an occasional doll, gardening, playing the VLT’s and most importantly loved listening and dancing to music. Mom was an avid Bingo player who loved to win and was very disappointed when someone yelled Bingo before she was given the chance.

Mom was the best shortbread and gingerbread cookie maker with every cookie made to perfection and added love. Sunday night spaghetti dinners were always a hit for the whole family with a “surprise Jello” dessert to finish it off. Everyone always leaving the table very full and satisfied looking forward to the next Sunday night dinner.

Mom always wanted to please everyone, always putting every one first before any of her own needs or wants, by far the most selfless wife, mother or grandmother you could ever ask for. She was always there to lend a helping hand wherever she was needed. She loved spending time with family, friends and mostly her grandchildren and great grandchildren which were all in her heart, whether they were near or far, always. Mom was so proud of each and every one of them and was there to cheer them on in every sport or activity they were a part of.

As per Cathy’s wishes there will be no funeral service just a small gathering of family to enjoy a favourite meal, a few laughs, to enjoy one another’s company to the fullest and just being all together, which was Mom’s favourite thing in the world.

If so desired, a donation may be made in Mom’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2.

May you Rest in Peace Cathy, Fritz, Mom and Mama, know you are deeply missed already and will forever be in all of our hearts today and always. We love you so very much.

“Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my soul to keep”

Richard Rosin Funeral Director Ltd.

204-219-1126

Tribute Link: richardrosin.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 12, 2024, Oct 12, 2024