CATHERINE "KATHLEEN" MCVICKER (DEVLIN)

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CATHERINE "KATHLEEN" MCVICKER (nee DEVLIN) Peacefully, after a courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and surrounded by her much loved and cherished family, it is with overwhelming sadness we announce that Catherine (Kathleen) McVicker, aged 65 years, passed into Eternal Life with Our Lord on May 11, 2005. Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on her soul. Kathleen leaves to mourn and cherish her memory Charles, her loving husband of 39 years; daughter Karen (Curt), son Joseph (Mercy), son Gregory (Jodene) and daughter Angela (Kurt); grandchildren, Finnula, Seanin, Sean, Nicola, Michelle, Kevin, Caitlin, Kieran and Ciaran. Kathleen also leaves behind her beloved sisters, Maureen Ratcliffe (Malcolm), Josephine Milnes (Thomas - recently deceased - R.I.P.) and Colette Boyle (Tom). Kathleen was predeceased by her parents, John and Mary Devlin (nee Slavin); brothers, James, John (Sarah); siblings, Patrick, Joseph and Anne; and recently deceased nephew Stephen Montgomery - R.I.P. Kathleen is survived by nephew Malcolm Ratcliffe (Bonnie) and family; niece Tracey Ratcliffe (Geoffroy); sisters-in-law, Cathy Devlin, Alice Fiddes (Frank), Maureen Cunningham (Joseph - R.I.P.), Kathleen Bunting and Patricia McVicker; brothers-in-law, John (Maureen), Barney (Mary), Tommy (Marvin) and Harry McVicker and Matt Bunting; cousins, Kathleen Finlay (Norman) and Eamonn McLarnon (Margo), Patsy Marken (Kieran), Ella Creaner (Frank), Pat Burke, Eileen Goldsmith, Kathleen, Maria, Rosaleen and Patsy Walsh and numerous nieces and nephews around the world. Also left to mourn is Tara Davis, a friend who Mum admired and viewed as a daughter. Tara paid a great tribute by naming her first born child after Mum. Kathleen was born May 3, 1940 and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In her teenage years, Kathleen worked in the mills as a wet spinner. Kathleen and Charles purchased a house, married on July 6, 1966, and soon after started their family. Kathleen became a full time Mum and devoted her life to raising her four children, while Charles worked in the Merchant Navy. Mum approached the role of motherhood with dignity, respect and fierce determination. Mum always ensured that our childhoods were happy and carefree, although she was raising and nursing four asthmatic children night and day. Mum shared in our triumphs, laughed at our jokes, corrected us when we were wrong, steered us through school and prepared us for the unknown. Mum was always available to us as a support, a friend, someone to talk to or seek advice from, always looking out for her children. Even in the most difficult and dangerous of times during the struggles within Northern Ireland, Mum reached out to keep us under her wings and protected us from the troubles. In July of 1985, Kathleen and Charles decided to immigrate with their family to Winnipeg, MB, Canada, to begin a new life. Kathleen went back into the workforce, spending many years working at National Typewriter and quickly became recognized as a very successful salesperson, gaining tremendous respect from her co-workers and customers. Mum's favourite pastime included spending precious quality time with her grandchildren, as she took great pride in them. Mum treasured the times she spent with her older sister Maureen, whom she loved and adored, as Aunt Maureen was also Mum's best friend. Together, they spent countless hours chatting to one another on the telephone, cooking meals or hosting barbecues, going for a meal and onto the cinema, travelling across Canada, Hawaii or within their Native Ireland. In life, Mum and Aunt Maureen were inseparable, just like two peas in a pod. Mum had a memory that everyone relied on, and thus earned her the nickname Kate the Date . When seeking information about family history or trivia, Mum was always there to provide the proper information. Mum loved listening to all kinds of music. While growing up, Mum was a Teddy Girl and along with Dad, enjoyed going to The Plaza in Belfast where they loved to jive and amaze many others with their dance skills. Mum loved to laugh, had the Gift of the Gab and enjoyed the craic and banter associated with telling stories of her life in Belfast. Mum was a very beautiful Lady with a smile that could light up the world; she had a heart of gold, was full of energy and fought with her usual tenaciousness throughout her illness. God Bless You Love. A wake and viewing will be held for Kathleen at her residence, 308 Alex Taylor Drive in Transcona, commencing on Saturday, May 14 and will continue through to Sunday, May 15. A prayer service will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at Kathleen's residence, and will be officiated by Fr. Gerry Ward. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mum's life with us in true Irish Tradition. A funeral mass will be held for Kathleen at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 16 at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 425 Rosseau Ave. E. in Transcona, Fr. Gerry Ward officiating. Interment will take place at Glen Lawn Cemetery, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., followed by a reception. Pallbearers are Kathleen's sons, Joseph and Gregory McVicker, sons-in-law, Kurt Timchuk and Curt Rasmussen, nephews, Malcolm Ratcliffe and Geoffroy Dextraze and brother-in-law Malcolm Ratcliffe, and close family friend Heath Finch. The McVicker Family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Riverview Health Centre and at the MICU ward at the Health Sciences Centre for all of their compassion, kindness, respect and dedication towards Mum during her illness. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mum may be sent to The Kathleen McVicker Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis, in care of, Scotia Bank, 1150 Nairn Ave. Winnipeg, MB. Please phone 204-985-3700. Mum, Dad has asked us to pass along this little message to you. Kathleen, I just wanted to let you know that X marks the spot and Tiocfaidh Ar La. Until we meet again, eternal love lasts forever. Charlie . Mum, you have carried us all throughout life with pride, and now it is our turn to show the world how proud we are of you. Although our grief runs deep, let us now carry you. We want to let you know that although Dad is our sailor, You are our Captain and Ship and We, your children, are your Crew. Sail gently into the night Mum, for your new journey has just begun. Go n-eiri a ta leat agus go mbeanni a dia duit, Mum. (Good Luck And God Bless). Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 455 LAGIMODIERE BLVD. 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 16, 2005