It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Catherine Ann McBean in February. Sadly, Cathy wrestled with severe anxiety and bouts of depression throughout much of her life. A challenge that proved ever more difficult for her to navigate, especially in recent years. Cathy did know she was loved and supported right to the very end, but any attempts to help were no match for the false narratives of her illness; the pathway to happiness seemed all but impossible to find. But in true testament to her love of family and dear friends, Cathy did everything in her power to stay on this earth for as long as possible and for that we will always be grateful.

Born February 6th, 1964 in Kirkland Lake, Cathy the second oldest of five was a fabulously spirited addition to the McBean family clan. A bright shining star in the lives of many for 59 years. Or as Cathy liked to say; ’29 with 30 years of experience’. Funny, tenacious, defiant, frisky, independent, even downright ‘kooky’ from the start, perhaps Cat’s greatest talent of all was her wonderful capacity to care for others in need.

It was not long before Cathy realized nursing was her calling. A proud graduate of the University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing, Cathy excelled at the top of her profession - in the emergency room - where the stakes were high and so many patients to this day remain thankful for Cathy’s exceptional, often life-saving care.

Moving back to Ontario to be closer to family, Cathy was a natural at what would quickly become her favourite role in the family; ‘Auntie Cat’. A fabulous sidekick, a fun-loving play date, always up for adventure, even a little good-hearted mischief. When it came to her niece and nephews Auntie Cat was all in; leaving a legacy of unconditional love, a sense of playfulness and a remarkable spirit of kindness and generosity that will last a lifetime.

Unquestionably beautiful, fabulously social, brilliant on a water-ski, inventor of the 'party animal' short, a wiz at cards and scrabble, endlessly creative but Cathy with her supercalifragilistic caregiver powers was undoubtedly at her very best when caring for others. And Catherine the RN, Cathy-Bear, Auntie Cat would have it no other way.

Cathy will be cremated and laid to rest, as requested, with her beloved Grampa Jack & Nana McBean at Parklawn Cemetary, April 06, 2023. The ceremony will be followed by a ‘Celebration of Life’ at a nearby venue. Details and request to rsvp will be added to the site shortly. Please stay tuned…

In the meantime we encourage all friends and family to share their favourite pictures, stories, memories of our beloved Cathy here on her memorial page, for all to enjoy.

And the family requests that any gifts, donations in Catherine’s name be directed to CAMH or any organization demonstrating a genuine commitment to mental health & wellness and suicide prevention. Let’s work towards a world where suicide never feels like the only way out.

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