It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Catherine Florence MacIntyre. Catherine was born to Joseph and Rachael (MacDonald) MacIsaac in Big Pond, NS.

Catherine was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. She enjoyed the simple things in life. Her happiness was found in spending time in the company of others, especially her family. She enjoyed music and dancing, which led her to meet the love of her life, “Johnny,” at a square dance. He loved to play the fiddle and she loved to dance, and so their story began. Mom and Dad travelled to many square dances throughout Cape Breton Island well into their 70s. Her love for fiddle music, a cherished part of her life, remained until her final hours, when her fingers could still be seen moving in time with the familiar tunes she treasured.

Catherine spoke fluent Gaelic and was always proud of her heritage.

She loved to bake and cook and share these offerings with anyone who came through her door. She absolutely loved Christmas. Decorating, baking, music, guests, and a good meal with family all around were highlights she treasured. Many Sunday evenings were spent gathered around the table playing cards, sharing laughs, and enjoying the company of those she loved.

Catherine’s career was devoted largely to St. Rita’s and The Cove Guest Home, where she proudly worked until her retirement. Catherine will be remembered for her strong will and her ability to make others laugh. Her final years were spent entertaining staff and residents at The Cove Guest Home with her playful sense of humor and wit. We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of The Cove, in particular the Skylight Unit, for the care and compassion shown during her time there.

Her love and infectious laughter will be deeply missed, and her memory will live on in our hearts.

Catherine is survived by her children, Diane (Billy), Sarah (Fred), Rachael, Cathy (Darryl), Mary, John, Danny, Joe (Janice), Rita (Paul), and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as her sisters Theresa, Margie, Anne, and Alice; sisters-in-law Norine MacIntyre and Susan MacEachern; and brothers-in-law Chummy MacDonald, and Albert MacKinnon.

Catherine was predeceased by her husband John, her parents, her parents-in-law, her sisters Mary, Josephine, and Elizabeth in infancy, son-in-law Tim Thorne, as well as many other in-laws and relatives.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Parish in East Bay, NS on Friday, July 24, at 10 AM.

Donations in Catherine’s memory can be made to Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.

“Bidh sinn gad ionndrainn agus gad ghràdh gu bràth”

(We will miss you and love you forever)