Obituary of Catherine Louise Wilcox

WILCOX: Catherine Louise Wilcox passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on November 14, 2015 sending her entire family to their knees and scrambling to pick up the pieces of their shattered hearts. Among those mourning Catherine's passing are her children Sherrill (Claude), Karen (Gregg), Janet (Phil), and Neil (Randy). Also left to cherish her member memory are 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Catherine was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Ernest just a short 13 weeks ago. Catherine grew up in Brandon as the daughter of Helen and Albert Wood and sister to 8 siblings. She was born in the depths of the great depression on February 9, 1933. Hers was not an easy childhood. Times were very tough, and she faced hardships that would easily have reduced a less optimistic and resilient individual into despair. 'Kitty' decided early on to approach life with a 'cup half full' stance and continued that way through her last days on earth. Fiercely independent from a very early age Catherine worked hard for things most take for granted. She delivered newspapers, shovelled snow, babysat, and took on cleaning jobs. She quickly learned the value of a hard-earned dollar and the importance of establishing a solid credit rating by purchasing a bike and skates on a dollar per week layaway plan that she had negotiated with the shop keeper. Cathy left school in grade 10 and began working at MANCO dairies in 1950 where she met Ernie Wilcox, the man who would turn out to be the love of her life. They were married on September 13, 1952 and were together until Ernie's passing in August, 2015. Theirs's was an enduring love that was an inspiration to all who knew them. For 63 years they loved and cared for each other until Ernie's health began to fail. Although the last years of her life were consumed by caring for him, she never complained nor let the burden lessen her love for Ernie or her zest for life. Kitty and Ernie committed themselves to selflessly raising their family in a home filled with love, respect, and encouragement. A working mom, Cathy was employed by Packfold Western Business Forms until it's closing following a devastating fire. In her forties at the time, Catherine decided to go back to school and enrolled in a bookkeeping program at Assiniboine Community College. This led to work at Jenkin's Business Supplies and ultimately as Administrative Assistant at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. During retirement Cathy kept active golfing, curling, traveling, sewing, quilting, and baking. She devoted hours of volunteer service to many organizations including the United Way, the Legion, MS Society, Heart and Stroke and Diabetes while managing to find time for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a special bond with each of them and all knew how much they were cherished. Catherine had an unlimited capacity for love that extended well beyond her family. She leaves behind countless folks who consider her their 'other mom or grandma'. Her friends will miss her generosity, her good spirited nature, and her love of life. It is hard to believe that such a vibrant and energetic woman could be taken from us so quickly. Ernie's death was a terrific blow to Catherine, and although she put on a brave face and carried on with an energetic positivity, the heartache of living without him must have been unbearable. Her passing leaves a sorrow that is consoled only by the belief that they are now together forever. Arrangements in the care of Brockie Donovan. Cremation has taken place. Following a private interment, a celebration of Catherine's life will be held at Central United Church, 327-8th Street, Brandon, on Monday, November 30, 2015 at 2:00pm with Rev. Joe Ball officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brandon Heart and Stroke Foundation, 3-824 18th St., Brandon MB R7A 5B7 or Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 'Palliative Care', 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3. 'How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.' – Winnie the Pooh