Contributions to the tribute of Catharine McLaughlin

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Thursday, April 20, 2023

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David Whalen, Catharine McLaughlan’s brother and his wife Tina wish, to send heartfelt condolences to all those who loved and treasured Catharine. As she moved among us, whether during her stopovers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport, on her way to her beloved son Pat and family in Calgary, or in Saint John later, she made sure that we spent a few quality hours together before departing to the apple of her eye. During her last trips, it proved to be more difficult as she used a wheelchair and our help to get on the planes. We marvelled at her tenacity and her courage, and her motivation and love that helped her overcome so many obstacles. Later, when we retired to Saint John, in 2018, even with her declining health and handicaps, Catharine made sure she welcomed us to Saint John and gladly invited us to have dinner with her at her house, with an Irish stew, prepared with the help of her support workers. We were grateful as we enjoyed some quality hours together catching up on a long absence. When Catherine was hospitalized, we visited her again a few times there. She tried to be playful and resigned, aided and supported by her precious artwork, which surrounded her hospital room of which she was very proud. So were we. When Catherine was moved to her retirement home, we continued to visit her for a while by taking the bus. Her brother David, in his 80s waited at the stops leaning on his cane as he wanted to visit his sister so often. Unfortunately, it had to come to an end and David and Tina were not able to say goodbye to Catharine in person. Catharine was an inspiring person. An eternal optimist, deliberately positive and unsinkable. She was ambassadorial, entrepreneurial, resourceful, and a people person, who loved her family and humanity. We were inspired! The world has lost a treasure! David and Tina Whalen

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Cathy Whalen-Elliott posted a condolence

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Aunt Catharine lived an exemplary life! She always knew what to do when the world handed her lemons - and she would always make a heck of a lot more than lemonade out of them. There was never a situation that was too overwhelming for her, because she knew how to make sure that everything, and everyone, in her life went to bed at night knowing that all would be well in the morning. I've never met another person who was more positive, caring, and giving. I fondly remember visiting her, and Uncle Pat, cousins Pat, Bill & Jenn - which was always a highlight! - throughout my life as a kid, whenever my family had the privilege of travelling from Ontario to New Brunswick. I also remember the time, one summer, my sister & I took the train from Ontario to St. John, and Pat & Catharine, along with Pat Jr., Bill, and Jenn, picked us up at the train station with the VW. I wasn't sure how we would all fit in the VW, but we did! The best laughter (with Catharine, that was often!), that I remember was at our Grandparents' 40th wedding anniversary when our Grandparents were unwrapping a huge box of various bells, 40 of them for 40 years - and came across one bell that didn't have a 'ringer' in it. Grammy Whalen, as per usual, made a humorous & touching comment; but what I will never forget is Catharine's joyous chortling & giggling, that lasted well afterwards. Pat & Cindy, Bill, and Jenn: Please know that my deepest sympathies are with you now and always, and that I wish you nothing but peace and love in your lives ... your mother would never expect anything less. She was proud of all of you - and she made sure that the rest of the family always knew that! With love, Cathy Whalen-Elliott. (My apologies for not posting my thoughts of your Mom sooner; I did not learn of her passing until today.)

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Anne Whalen Posted Apr 19, 2023 at 9:09 PM

Beautifully written Cathy and a lovely tribute to our dear auntie.

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ANNE Posted Apr 21, 2023 at 7:39 PM

Cathy, I don't know how to reach you. If you want to connect, post here and I will post my phone number.

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Gerard Harrington posted a condolence

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Dear Pat, Bill and Jenn, My deepest sympathies for the loss of your Mom. I still remember your family packing the five of you into the VW Bug and driving all those miles to visit us in Connecticut. I wish we could do that again. May Catharine rest in peace along side her loving husband Patrick in eternal happiness. Love you all, Gerry and Maricica Harrington

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Audrey Estey posted a condolence

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Pat, My condolences on the loss of your mom. I know from listening to both Cindy and you how important and loved she was by all of her family and friends. Her obituary definitely shows how much she will be missed. Thinking of you all at this time.

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Danny & Anne Marie McLaughlin ( Arts son) posted a condolence

Monday, April 17, 2023

Pat, Jenn & Bill, we were very saddened to hear of the loss of Aunt Catherine in December. She was a wonderful lady & we have great memories of her. Thinking of you all.

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Brian Geldart uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

To Catharine's family, Our condolences on your loss. We were neighbours on Maple Ave in Sussex. This photo is from the early 1960's.

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Pat Laskey posted a condolence

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Pat, Bill, and Jenn. So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I remember her being very active at St. Peter's Parish. My condolences. Pat Laskey

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John L. McLaughlin posted a condolence

Monday, December 12, 2022

Pat, Bill & Jenn I am sad to hear of your mother's passing. I have great memories of visiting her and your father (and you at very young ages) on Clarendon St. in my teen years, and frequently since then. Catherine was a great soul who will be missed.

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Gary Caines posted a condolence

Monday, December 12, 2022

Pat and family, Sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you at this time. Gary

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Norma Gibson posted a condolence

Sunday, December 11, 2022

I am Bernice O'Hara's sister and I remember meeting Catherine many times when she and Bernice shared the house at 87 Douglas Avenue, beside St. Peter's Church, and what good friends they were. Sincere condolences at this sad time. God Bless. NORMA GIBSON

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Ellen (Whalen) Belyea uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, December 10, 2022

Catharine was an amazing positive soul and a wonderful aunt. She loved her family beyond measure. I have included some family photos. She was a brides maid at my parents wedding in 1960, and for every family milestone along the way including when they cut the cake again on their 50th anniversary. She will be missed. Sending love to the family.

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Susan (O'Hara) LANDRY posted a condolence

Saturday, December 10, 2022

So sorry to hear of your mother's passing she was a good friend and neighbor to my mother Susan (O'Hara) Landry

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Marlene Ross posted a condolence

Saturday, December 10, 2022

To the Family of Catharine, I wanted you to know that I'm sorry to read of Catharine's passing, and also how we so very much enjoyed her stories at our writing group. She always wore her smile with her sweet personality. As I read other tributes, you know how she spread it so willingly to others. God Bless You. -- Marlene Ross (Anonymous Poetry Group)

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Teresa Gallant (McLaughlin) posted a condolence

Friday, December 9, 2022

Pat, Bill & Jenn, With deepest sympathy as we all remember your Mom. She was a very special Aunt and always had positive word, there is no one in the world like your mother. . Sending you all of my warmth.

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Ken Dobson posted a condolence

Friday, December 9, 2022

If you were short a smile Mrs McLaughlin was always able to give you one of hers. My condolences to Pat, Cindy, Drew and Emma and the rest of the McLaughlin family. Love Ken Dobson and Family.

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The family of Catharine McLaughlin uploaded a photo

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Catharine McLaughlin

1936 - 2022