SHOULDICE, Catherine Louise (nee GLYNN) April 7, 1930 – July 12, 2018 Cathy passed away peacefully at home in her 88th year on July 12, 2018.
She was the only child of Leslie and Jean Glynn (Simpson). She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Dr. Earle Byrnes Shouldice (who often says he got the best of the deal!); children Shelley, Glynn (Candice), Jamie and Cameron (Michelle); and much-loved grandchildren Michael, Richard, Tori, Kyra, Diane, Kita, Nicole, Ainslie, William, Matthew and Caitlin. Cathy lived a rich and full life and gave much of herself to others. After graduating from the University of Toronto, Cathy continued postgraduate studies in early childhood education (often claimed by Byrnes, so she could understand her husband!). Applying this education, Cathy found a way to help families who needed it most. By going door to door, inviting mothers and their children to participate, she established a municipal nursery school in London, Ontario originating in a church basement. As a longstanding member of the Board of Shouldice Hospital, Ontario, she brought insight and caring to patients, families and staff. She enjoyed travel, painting and the arts. Cathy had a fondness for playing bridge with friends at Rosedale and the Granite Club. Catherine had a way of creating warm and beautiful spaces with her knack for decorating and flower-arranging.
An avid gardener, her extraordinary work ethic endeared her to members of the Toronto Garden Club, with notable contributions to the annual children’s exhibit and the early years of what later became Canada Blooms. The flower and vegetable gardens at Ainslie Hill Farm and the Shouldice Hospital in Thornhill, are evidence of her extraordinary green thumb. Cathy’s creativity extended to culinary arts; she loved to create intricate and delectable dishes for family and friends. She was a warm, generous and gracious hostess, who put everyone at ease with a kind word, an infectious laugh, a gentle tease, and always a twinkle in her eye. Catherine was at her happiest with friends and family, not to mention the numerous family dogs, which she also adored.
She was devoted to her children, extending a helping hand, a warm smile, or a listening ear to anyone who needed it. She was our rock. Catherine will be greatly missed by her family and all those she touched. Special thanks to Dr. Eva Maté, the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, especially Michelle Williams, Dr. Jamie Meuser, Dr. Marnie Howe. We are so very grateful as a family to Marichu Ines for her two years of devoted, loving care not only to Catherine but the entire family, in addition we are grateful to Mary Grace and Camille for their warm caring commitment to our mother.
Visitation will be held at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge St., Toronto (at Goulding, south of Steeles), Tuesday, July 17th from 3-7 p.m. and Wednesday, July 18th from 5-8 p.m.
There will be a private family graveside service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to The Alzheimer Society of Ontario. Condolences may be left at www.rskane.ca.