Mary Catherine Doyle, 77, of Victoria, BC, passed away peacefully on February 7th, 2023.
Mary Catherine, also Catherine, Cathy or Kate to her work colleagues and friends, was born in New Westminster on October 10, 1945, the daughter of Mary (Mimi) née Keary, and John Doyle. She is survived by her sister, Virginia (Ginny) Rainer of Toronto, Ontario, and Ginny’s son, Matthew Terry. She is also survived by Kevin Parsons, her (deceased) cousin Patsy’s son, and by relatives throughout the lower mainland and Victoria, BC.
Catherine attended and graduated from St. Ann’s Academy in New Westminster. Upon graduation she studied to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She subsequently worked at St. Vincents Hospital in Vancouver and later enrolled in the RN program at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. Following her graduation as an RN, Catherine stayed at RJH and worked the entirety of her illustrious nursing career there. She initially began her career on 2W and then moved to the Recovery Room, which was a place she truly loved being and suited her generous and optimistic spirit so very well.
Catherine was very sociable with a wonderful sense of humour, and had many close friends throughout Victoria, the lower mainland and farther afield. She took tap dance lessons until she was in her ’60’s, she loved her bridge and wine nights, and her book club. She was such a positive person and was always up for visits, brunches and lunches with friends and family. She was particularly thrilled to fulfill a dream by vacationing in Maui over Christmas in 2019 with her cousin Mike (from Penticton) and his children and four grandchildren. She grew close to two of those children, Oliver and Ben, whom she considered grandchildren. She loved family dinners at her cousin Candy’s here in Victoria and a highlight was hearing Candy’s daughter, Kate, play the piano so beautifully.
Catherine’s Catholic faith was very important to her and she was a member of Holy Cross Church. She proudly worked with the Syrian family that the Church helped immigrate to Victoria. She also had a close connection in friendship and faith with Father Dino.
In the fall of 2021, she became ill with heart problems and was given just a few months to live. After staying in Hospice, she miraculously returned to her home where she could continue a quieter, socially active life for many months, which she considered a gift. She loved the Arts community in Victoria and was a proud supporter of the ballet, symphony and theatre scene for decades. Catherine was known for her detailed gift wrapping – the ribbon always matched the bag and tissue inside – and her hand written notes were treasured by many. Whether it was a beach in Hawaii, or lunch with friends she would show up with her hair curled neatly, and always wearing lipstick. Catherine was deeply loved and will be forever missed.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 3rd, 2023, at 1:00 pm, at Holy Cross Catholic Parish, 4049 Gordon Head Road, Victoria BC. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Victoria Hospice, Richmond Pavillion.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Fern Christensen
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Kevin Parsons Catherine was the cousin of my Mother, Pat, and was always a presence as long as I can remember, as far back as my single-digit years (I’m 55) Many wonderful adventures were had by myself and my late sister Susanne when we accompanied Catherine. A trip on a hydrofoil, a first flight on a jet, these are some of my earliest memories, and I will treasure them always. I realize this was probably more about giving my Mum a short spell for some time to herself, she being a single mother. Catherine was also an immense help to me recently while Mum was undergoing chemotherapy, and later during her extended stay in hospice, we would alternate visits due to restrictions during the pandemic. Catherine would take the order and return the next visit to deliver a couple of sausage rolls from “The Dutch” or maybe a Teen-burger to a very appreciative patient. I dont think I will ever meet a more selfless, giving or thoughtful person, and I feel extremely lucky to have enjoyed many wonderful times when Catherine shared our table.
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Alice Sims Cathy and I meet in Jan’68 as we became roommates at the RJH School of Nursing. There started a lifelong friendship of caring and sharing of life’s many milestones. She was a much valued golden thread of my life’s tapestry.
We were blessed to have one last year to walk her final journey of life. I will treasure each visit and outing we shared enjoying bedside visits, music, theatre, shopping and meals.
Thank you dear friend. I know you are at rest in God’s care and comfort.
Warmest condolences to her family.
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Mary Ross Klektau Mary Ross-Klektau and Deg Klektau
My main memory of Catherine is opening my eyes in the Jubilee Hospital recovering room (many years ago) and seeing a smiling Catherine by my side. She had a very peaceful presence.
I met Catherine through her cousin Pat Parsons, who was also a nurse.
Both ladies had a great sense of humour and I always thought treated each other as sisters.
When Pat was diagnosed with cancer, Catherine and I would take turns driving Pat to appointments.
I had no idea that Catherine was also facing life threatening health issues.
It was a priviledge to know them both and if a reunion is possible on the otherside, there certainly will be lively conversations with lots of laughter.
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William Holland Keary My darling Catherine , with a C, my last link to the Keary family. Brendan and I loved our times visiting our Victoria-link .
Your visits to West Van were always a source of laughter and love,that will be missed.
We were both blessed having you in our lives. Now it is time for you to share your love with all those who have departed.
♥️♥️ Bill and Brendan
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kathy morris Nursing – Joy. Tapping – Joy. Life – Joy. My condolences to all the family and friends of Cathy, Kate, Sister Mary Catherine. It’s with joy that I carry the memories of our times together.
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Adrienne Elizabeth Rogers A true gift to all the lives she touched!
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Teresa Heaven gained another angel. She was an earth angel and now she has her wings. I will miss you. Thank you for sharing your circle and including me. It was truly an honour my friend.
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Sylvia Constable I MET AND WORKED WITH CATHY AT RJH SHE WAS AN EXCELLENT NURSE ALWAYS GIVING HER BERY BEST FOR THE PATIENTS.
VERY CARING KIND AND RESPECTFUL TO ALL SHE CAME IN CONTACT WITH.
MY CONDOLENCES TO HER FAMILY.
SYLVIA CONSTABLE
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Randi Matthison Rest in peace dear Mary Catherine- you made every room shine with your presence!
I feel honoured to be your friend,
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Mary Catherine Wallace An obit in the paper this morning caught my eye because it was for a Mary Catherine, which is my name. At first I didn’t recognize the picture because I have only seen Catherine in her yoga clothes. As I looked more closely, I realized who it was for. Catherine and I were “yoga mates” every Monday morning for a few years. I felt like I was just starting to get to know her, but that fateful morning at the Monterey Centre when she collapsed before class put an end to that. I kept hoping that she would come back to class and fill up the empty spot beside me in class, but now I know that won’t happen. Instead, she will have a spot in my heart filled with fond memories. My sincere condolences to all her family and friends. She was a gem.
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Sharron Higgins Condolences to Kathy’s family and friends.
Kathy was an active, caring and committed RJH School of Nursing Alumni Association member during the many years of restoring the Pemberton Chapel on the hospital grounds.
I will always remember her humor and thoughtful participation at Chapel committee meetings, reunion planning and gatherings.
She could always see a way forward to achieve our projects or special events.
May God bless and keep you in his care.
Sharron Higgins
Past President
Royal Jubilee School of Nursing Alumni Association
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Rita Morin I met Catherine on the 1st day of the Practical Nursing Program and while she finished the course and then became an RN my career took a different path but we never lost contact over all these years and I am so pleased that we had some great visits during this past year…A wonderful friend to many and a happy and loving person. Catherine will be missed….much love my dear as you embark on your final journey…’till we meet again….. Rita Morin
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Loretta Slavik Catherine Doyle was a “work mate” from RJH.
We knew her through her great friend Anne.
We will remember her for her marvellous sense of humour,
Always up for a laugh! She never missed a trick.
She was a talented raconteur. We give her full credit for any stories of hers told on!
She’ll be missed. Our condolences to her extended family.
Loretta & Ann
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Dinah and Barry Ellett To all of Catherine’s family and friends.
Catherine was the first person we met when we came to Victoria 44 years ago. We have remained strong friends throughout the years.The visits of love and laughter during the last year will always be remembered.
Our thoughts are with you. Fondest wishes. Dinah and Barry Ellett
Auntie Kate. So generous and deeply caring. I am so very sad to hear of your passing.