Catherine Livingstone LONSWAY
LONSWAY, Catherine Livingstone Passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Tansley Woods, Burlington. Born February 28, 1930 in Glasgow, Scotland, daughter of David Chisholm and Sarah Ball. On September 1, 1939 she evacuated to the village of Moffat, Scotland and then became the foster daughter of Miss Dora McKinnon Currie. Survived by her loving husband of 57 years, James Reginald Lonsway, son Iain (Carol Van Beilen), daughter Alison (Paul Dills) and daughter Mary (Thomas Steckner). Also survived by seven grandchildren, Annika and Emily Lonsway, Laura and Sarah Dills, Emma, Julia and Jacob Steckner. Also predeceased by brother-in-law Bruce Lonsway (Pauline), London, Ontario and survived by sister-in-law Gwen Wiltshire (Ivan), Dundalk, Ontario. She graduated Moffat Academy, Dumfriesshire, 1945, then graduated the School of Nursing, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, November 1953. In February of 1954, accompanied by her friend Doreen Fairley, also an R.N., she emigrated to Sydney, Australia to join the staff of the Prince Albert Memorial Hospital. In March of 1955 she obtained her certificate in obstetrics/midwifery. After two years nursing and travelling in Australia, she and Doreen returned to Scotland briefly. In 1957 they both then sailed for Canada on the Cunard “Carinthia”, arriving at Quebec on September 11th. Prior to leaving for Canada, both Cathie and Doreen obtained nursing positions at the Henderson Hospital in Hamilton. In 1958 they drove to Calgary where Cathie was employed in the operating room of The Grace Hospital. In the fall of 1959 she met Jim. They were married in Dundalk, Ontario in August of 1960 and lived in Calgary until September of 1961 when Jim was transferred to Burlington by his employer, Roy A. Nicholson Ltd. Cathie, Jim and their children lived for 47 years in Cedar Springs Community, north Burlington, before moving to downtown Burlington in 2008. Cathie was very active in Scotland, enjoying tennis, badminton, field hockey, and piano. She continued her love of sports, playing golf and tennis in Cedar Springs, as well as skiing with her family. Cathie was well-known as a great cook and her love of baking was enjoyed by many, particularly friends and family. You never left without a hug and a tin of baked goods which could include cookies, shortbread, Swedish tea cakes, or if you were very lucky, a pie baked with apples from the tree in the yard. A prolific knitter, the kids and grandchildren benefited from her sweaters, afghans, mitts and slippers, all knit with love. Her joy and love of life came through in her memorable and infectious laugh. Always positive, always with a smile, always ready with a hug and a kiss. Special thank you to the fantastic staff who lovingly cared for Cathie, briefly in the Memory Care Neighbourhood, and then in Oaklands Neighbourhood (LTC) at The Village of Tansley Woods. Private cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at KITCHING STEEPE & LUDWIG FUNERAL HOME , 146 Mill St. N, Waterdown, on Friday August 4, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada in her memory. Please sign the Tribute Wall at www.kitchingsteepeandludwig.com