CATHERINE MARY (CATHIE) SKINNER

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CATHERINE MARY (CATHIE) SKINNER (nee ANDREWS) Suddenly, at 47 years of age. A devoted and loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, Cathie will be deeply missed. She was a brilliant light in the lives of those she knew. Warm and caring, strong and inspiring, Cathie celebrated life to the fullest with her best friend and husband George. Without question, Cathie knew the importance of family and friends, and could always be counted upon to bring everyone together. Cathie attended school at the Sacred Heart Convent (Winnipeg and Vancouver), River Heights Junior High, Kelvin High School and University of Manitoba. Nearing the completion of her Bachelor of Education, Cathie was excited about receiving her degree and teaching elementary children. This past spring she was a student teacher at Riverview School, and dreamed of the day when she would have her own class. Her face lit up when she talked about her students and the projects she was planning for them. Friends and family knew Cathie to be immensely gifted when it came to entertaining, gardening and her flair for design. She was a lover of books, especially if there was a new recipe to be had or an undiscovered plant for her home or garden. She looked forward to spending time with family at her brothers cottage at Twin Lakes Beach, and the Skinner retreat on Hostess Island. Cathie and George recently returned home to Winnipeg after living for 19 years in Ottawa. There she made a life for her family, which included Winnie-the-Pooch and cats Sylvester and Kitty. Always in tune with the latest fashions, Cathie loved the years she spent as a store manager for Shepherds in Ottawa. Cathie is also survived by her mother Jacqueline Henderson, sister Geraldine and Chet Stachow; brother Denis and Hilda Andrews; "Mom" Eleanor Skinner; sisters-in-law Lynne (Dave) Pearen and Carol (Greg) Gillies, brother-in-law Douglas Skinner; and special "west coast family" Dean and Joni, Janet, Teresa, Cathy and Drew Clarke. Cathie was predeceased by her father Cliff and father-in-law Fred. Cathie became a second mother to her many nieces and nephews. She was always interested in their lives, and willing to offer loving advice on how to get through difficult times. She will be remembered with great fondness by Theresa, Nicole, Kirsten, Elise, Chris (Suzanne), Dale, Blair, Kara, Scott, Julie, Mathew, and Jordan. She was also a wonderful "auntie" to Landon, Lane, Lauren, Liam, Andrew, and Kelsey. Cathie will be sadly missed by Harry, Geraldine, David, Robert, Stephen, Jim, Ken, Susan and Linda Skinner; close friends Lorne and Ellen, Ian and Linda, Jan, Stu and Mark; as well as many dear friends from Ottawa. Throughout her short, but very full life, Cathie lived with Crohns Disease. She was an inspiration to everyone around her. While living with Crohns was a challenge for Cathie, it never deterred her spirit, compassion for others, or incredible sense of humour. A celebration of Cathies life will be held on Thursday, May 25 at 2:15 p.m. in Thomson Funeral Chapels, 669 Broadway. A special thank you to Ellen Gilbert, Dr. Richard Blouw, Dr. David Goldenberg, and the staff of Victoria General Hospital. If friends and family wish, donations may be made in memory of Cathie to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of Canada, 306-2265 Pembina Hwy. R3T 5J3, (204) 231-2115. "With tears, Cathie, we mourn your passing to a better place. With smiles, Cathie, we will remember you always." THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 24, 2000