Cherished mother, grandmother, friend and longtime resident of Brampton passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Catherine (called “Kitty” by her family from the day of birth) was born December 21, 1930. After graduating from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, Guelph in 1952, Cath married Jim Beasley (deceased 1976) and they spent the early years of their marriage in High Park area of Toronto. Having always loved babies and children, Catherine spent 3 years in Paediatrics at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Toronto. In 1955 Catherine and Jim moved to Brampton where they raised their family. Over the coming decades Catherine nursed at Peel Memorial Hospital and also worked for several doctors in their practice. She spent the majority of the following 7 decades in Brampton working, volunteering and socializing. In 1979 Cathy married another Jim, Jim Archdekin (deceased 1982), the popular mayor of Brampton. Her outgoing vibrant personality was well-suited to the socially demanding lifestyle of a mayor’s wife. Whether you knew her as Catherine, Kitty, Cath, Cathy, Gram, Grandma Catherine, or GG, she was a woman who combined being admirably independent and extremely loyal with the capable, compassionate traits of a nurse. Facing life’s challenges with resolve, Catherine would say “there’s no sense whining, let’s get on with it.”
Catherine had a wide circle of friends and many interests. After she retired from nursing, she volunteered in the Children’s Ward and Ultrasound Dept. at Peel Memorial as well as helping run the hospital gift shop. During the 1980’s and 90’s Catherine helped with North Peel Red Cross Blood Donor Clinics and with the Brampton Caledon Association’s bowling program for physically and mentally challenged children. Catherine was a keen golfer, an enthusiastic book club member, treasured her annual trips to Bermuda and, as a lover of music in general, she experienced great joy from singing in the Christ Church choir for many years. Precious and enduring friendships were formed through these pursuits. Catherine is survived by her children (Beasley) and step-children (Archdekin) and their families. Beloved mother of Janet Fines (Bob), Stephen Beasley (Hellen) and Alan Beasley. Cherished Gram of Katie Fines (Carlos Martins), Sara Beasley (James Ly), and Judson Beasley (Chantelle). Proud GG of Henry Martins, Adalynn Beasley, Anders Ly-Beasley and Eloise Ly-Beasley. As well as loving step-mother of Rick Archdekin (Nancy), Charlie Archdekin and Bill Archdekin (Laurie). Beloved Grandma Catherine of Devin (Jen) and Matthew (Sarah), Adam, Steven, Tara, and Dean. Loving great-grandmother of Cameron and Amelia, Aubrey and Fletcher. Catherine was predeceased by her sister Dorothy and is survived by their perpetually sunny “baby” sister Jean Farrelly and fond nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to sincerely thank the Nurses, Caregivers and Staff on the Woodhill Floor of Tall Pines Longterm Care who took exceptionally compassionate care of Catherine. For those who wish to honour Catherine’s memory, donations can be made to Alzheimer Society of Canada (www.alzheimer.ca)
To honour Catherine’s life, please join us at a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm (Words of Remembrance at 2:00 pm) at Brampton Golf Club, 7700 Kennedy Road, Brampton.
Condolences for the family may be offered at EganFuneralHome.com
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