CATHERINE PORTER MALCOLM (ANNING) GODFREY

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CATHERINE PORTER MALCOLM (ANNING) GODFREY April 4,1914 - November 3, 2013 In her 100th year, in the small hours of an extraordinarily beautiful star-bright morning, Catherine relaxed her tenacious hold on life and released her indomitable spirit. To the end she made us laugh, chided us gently, and embraced a diverse group of friends and family with her abundant affection. Catherine was predeceased by her parents Alfred and Jane Anning and her beloved brother Charlie. She is survived by her nieces Jocelyn Hamilton, Barbara Pateman and their families. Catherine re-drew the definition of traditional family by being honorary Auntie, Mum or Gran to many. She was also beloved as Mrs. G., or Cathie, or Kay to many others. She befriended and mentored, and challenged each of us to be the best person we had in us. Catherine was Winnipeg's gift to Victoria. Having travelled widely, she retired to her splendid cove in Victoria and was sustained by the outstanding ocean view that greeted her daily. She was a woman who blazed a trail proudly her own independent person, she demonstrated resolutely how to move past life's disappointments with a positive and questing outlook. Beside her bed was a wee book marked to where she left this last thought for us: BEYOND ...So close it lies, that when my sight is clear I think I almost see the gleaming strand. I know I feel those who have gone from here Come near enough sometimes, to touch my hand. I often think, but for our veiled eyes, We should find heaven right round about us lies. Ella Wheeler Wilcox And so she did find heaven here and beyond. Catherine wanted no funeral but could seldom refuse an invitation to celebrate which we will do on her 100th birthday in April 2014. On behalf of Catherine and her family, a heart felt thanks to all those who participated in her care over the last number of years, most especially her good friends Kay Horne and Kathrynn Foster.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 23, 2013