📍 We’ve moved! As of August 26, you’ll find us at our new location. Click here for details
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
SIMPLE CREMATION AND
LIFE CELEBRATION PLANNING
Winnipeg's Original Alternative to the Traditional Funeral Home
MENU
SIMPLE CREMATION | LIFE CELEBRATION PLANNING
TRADITIONAL BURIALS | FUNERAL SERVICES
NON-PROFIT CASKETS AND URNS | NO UP-SELLING

Cathie Van Dusen

CATHIE VAN DUSEN
(nee MCCLURE)
September 17, 1935 - December 14, 2025
She always joked she wanted her obituary to simply say:
“Cathie Died.”
But here’s a bit more.
Cathie was born in Winnipeg, grew up in Norwood, raised a family in St. James, and passed away peacefully December 14th at Deer Lodge Centre surrounded by loved ones, with her favourite music playing.
She is survived by her loving husband of over 61 years, Lloyd Van Dusen; her son, Jim Van Dusen (Lora); and her cherished grandchildren, Nena Van Dusen, Tawnya Young (Luke), and Julian Van Dusen. She is also lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, including Barb Hodge (Merlin), Gord Poulton (Darcey), Andy Poulton (Mindy), Patricia Koreen (John) and Catherine Lierman (Chris) .
Her husband’s side included brother in-laws Frank and Neil (Sue), and nephews and nieces, Gaylene, Brent, Allen, Dawn, Karen, Shannon, Kim, Debbie, Allison,
and even more great nephews and nieces!
Cathie was predeceased by her sisters, Georgina (Norm), and Bette (Al); her brother, Charlie (Eleanor); Also in-laws Pat Esler(Roy), Joy Van Dusen, nephew Glen Van Dusen and her grandson, Ashton Van Dusen.
Cathie had a full, happy life of service and caring for others, and will be missed by many.
Her first job was in a movie theatre. Her last (outside of the home) was as an elder and part of the Pastoral Care team at McClure United.
She visited her mother pretty much daily in Winnipeg at 185 Smith Street and later her sister Bette in Oakview Manor.
She loved her family, and so many friends and neighbours became like family.
She loved children and taught Sunday school at McClure United.
She loved taking care of her grandchildren.
She loved travelling and visiting relatives, in particular Barb and Merlin in MacGregor. She planned many family picnics that brought in loved ones from across Canada.
One of her greatest joys was having the means to host so many family members for dinner, especially the younger ones to “Give them a good meal when they were away from home.”
Cathie was kind, generous, loving, and accepting to all.
Fun facts:
Favourite colour: Yellow
Favourite cartoon character: Elmer Fudd.
Favourite flower: Yellow Roses
Favourite Actor: Rock Hudson
A celebration of life will be held at 2:30pm on Saturday, January 17th, 2026 at McClure United Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Deer Lodge Centre Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
Memories, Stories and Condolences
Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"
Thank you for your comment!
13 Comments
↑ Both fields are required ↓
Dorothy Stark Valgardson
January 16, 2026 at 7:16 AM
I knew Cathie back in the 1950's when we shared a home in St. Vital. I knew her to be a lover of movies, a dreamer of travelling the world and devoted to her Mom. My condolences to the family especially Barb, Gordy, and Andy .

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Gwenda Matieshin
January 13, 2026 at 10:21 AM
While at Silver Heights United Church Cathy dedicated so much of her time and caring to supporting the congregation members in their time of need. Reaching out whenever anyone just needed to talk or a visit.
Our family lived just down the lane and my sister took advantage of the rhubarb growing along the back fence. I think of her often in the early summer.
- Matieshin Family

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Marilyn Preston (Payne)
January 5, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Cathie and Lloyd lived a few houses down from us on Davidson Street and our families attended church at Silver Heights United. Cathie was so good to my Mom always, taking her places, having a cup of coffee, going to church events. and shopping! We knew that at some time during the day Cathy would check in to see how she was doing and we were so grateful for her love and support. We lost that contact after Mom passed away but I would often drive down Davidson just to see if I might catch Cathy or Lloyd in their yard so we could chat. May the beautiful memories of this wonderful lady help the family and friends to always keep her close in their hearts.❤️

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Merle MacFadyen
January 4, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Cathie was a great friend to my mother, Helen MacFadyen through Silver Heights United Church. Cathie and I would occationally go out for coffee or lunch. She had a wonderful sense of humour. When I last tried to contact Cathie she did not know me. Many people benefited from her consideration and friendship. Good bye my friend !

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Cathie Morgan Matula
January 3, 2026 at 8:14 PM
So sorry to learn of Cathie's passing. We met at a Matheson-McArthur family reunion in 1992, and were amazed to see we spelled our names the same way. It was always a pleasure to have a chat with her at The Lord Selkirk Association of Rupert's Land dinners. Condolences to all.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Jennifer Ching
January 3, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Aunty Cathie - you and Uncle Lloyd are part of of my favourite Winnipeg memories. You were funny, and COOL! You threw the classiest shade and made St. James seem like the best place in the world. Thank you for taking such good care of me (and my roommates!!) for so many years.



Gaylene Van Dusen
January 3, 2026 at 12:23 PM
I had the great fortune of living with my Auntie Cathie, Uncle Lloyd and Jim during my first year at U of Winnipeg in 80/81. Their warm embrace eased this farm girl into city living and I never felt lonely for a moment. Auntie Cathie treated me like a daughter and made sure I had everything I needed to be successful in that first year of school. She lovingly packed a delicious lunch for me to take to school every day. It truly was a soft transition to independence for me! She always took interest in my friends and welcomed them into her home.
Like my own Mom, Auntie Cathie did more than her share to contribute to her church and community. They are both models for me that I am still trying to figure out how to follow.
I know the last few years have been challenging for everyone who loves Cathie, and like Gloria, I too felt a great sadness the last few times I visited with my aunt. I am so grateful to have had her in my life.
I wish warm memories and peace for everyone who is mourning our loss.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Irene Nordheim
January 3, 2026 at 9:40 AM
Cathie was our mum's best friend and that made her our aunt by choice and not by blood. Cathie was our "cool" aunt and having her babysit us was always exciting. Our relationship with her lasted past childhood as she became a support and a mentor into our adult years. She was the first babysitter for my son Dane, the only person we would trust outside of Grandma! Uncle Lloyd, Jim and family please know we are wishing you strength and many many happy memories.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Alison Wheeler (Van Dusen)
January 3, 2026 at 9:32 AM
Here are a few things I remember about Auntie Cathie.
Auntie Cathie was thoughtful. She always remembered birthdays and special events. She sent cards or would call to mark those events in your life.
She had a wicked sense of humor and out of nowhere...she would say the funniest and wittiest remark.
She had a great sense of style from her clothes right up to the way she wore her hair. She always looked beautiful.
If you were lucky enough to talk to her, she had a way of being truly interested in you and what you were discussing. That's a rare trait.
And Auntie Cathie would bring the yummiest desserts to the Van Dusen family get togethers.
I'm so so sorry Jim & Lora.
I'm so so sorry Jim &

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Gloria Robins
January 3, 2026 at 7:44 AM
I walked every morning with Cathie for 27 years. We discussed everything and solved many of the world's problems. She was a wonderful mentor and a good friend. One of the saddest days of my life was when I called her to have a chat and she didn't remember me or want to talk to me. I have so many wonderful memories of Cathie and I know she's in a much better place now. I miss her!

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Don Wilkie
January 3, 2026 at 7:17 AM
My most sincere condolences to you Jim, and of course your Family, May the many GREAT memories that you hold of your Mom soon overtake the grief of these moments.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

jim
January 2, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Getting ready for her wedding



Jim
January 2, 2026 at 4:16 PM
How lucky we were to have Cathie Van Dusen in our lives. How lucky I was to have her as my mom. What a great example of how to be a good person.


