CATHERINE “CASS” WAYTIUK

It is with great sadness and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Catherine Waytiuk on February 27, 2023 at the age of 103. Her last years were spent at Kin Place Personal Care Home in Oakbank, where her life was enriched by their caring and compassion.

Catherine was born in Narol on July 1, 1919, one of twelve siblings born to Andrew and Margaret (nee Malis) Peterson. Pre-deceased by her husband Harry in 1980, her grand-daughter Shelley in 2023 and seven brothers Walter (Betty), Bob (Betty), Albert (Doris), Bill (Delores), Frank, Norman, Andy (Ilene) and sisters Dorothy (Harry), Edna and Ruth (Ron). She leaves to mourn her sister Irene McMechan and sisters-in-law Maryanne Peterson, Mary Peterson, and her brother-in-law George Mulder, her son Clifford (Elizabeth), daughters Carole (Wayne) and Audrey. Also grieving are grandchildren Bill (Carrie) and children Liam (Payton), Kieran, Keegan, Caitlyn, Riley and Jackson, Ron and daughters Olivia and Ryleigh, Chris (Bob) and daughter Quinn, Bob (Cathie), Kim (Graham) and children Justin (Jenna), Ainsley and Kennedy, Susan, David (Amy) and daughter Jaden, and step-grandchildren Kevin (Kristin) and son Maxwell, and Jeff (Becky). Dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends are also left with many fond memories. Started in Catherine’s yard decades ago, a great legacy that brought together all these people was Gramma’s July 1st birthday, a pot luck gathering where we also celebrated Canada Day by singing the Anthem and traditionally Little Green Valley and You Are My Sunshine, at times with bagpipes and accordions. Kids games were a favourite like ring toss, bean bag throw, hammering nails, sack and three legged races. Big winners got a nickel.

Known to her family as Cass, she was a great lady: always caring, friendly and entertaining. She loved mixed farming, vegetables and gardening and she always took great pride in growing the first cucumber or tomato of the season. A soup making expert, she made countless pots of beef and barley, chicken, saurkraut and stew. In the early years, along with Mrs. Heirlmeyer, she canned peaches and pears, made cranberry and chokecherry jelly as well as strawberry and raspberry jams. She also started the family tradition of freshwater dill pickles.

In her early years, Cass was involved with the 4-H Club and later the East Selkirk Seniors Club. She helped arrange many bus trips and enjoyed travel across Canada and many US cities. When the grandchildren came, she was always willing to lend a hand, give some advice, or watch them play sports, or have a game of Bingo. Christmas was a special time with pancakes made in the shape of their initial or Mickey Mouse and a dish of blueberries on the side. She was an avid and competitive Scrabble player and she knew cool two letter words like UH and KI or a vowel dump like AALII or OLEA. Ladies Day, that is the “Ladies of Purity” which included sisters, sisters-in-law and special friends, shared many wonderful lunches at local restaurants where they were often known by the staff by their first names.

In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations can be made in her memory to Kin Place Personal Care Home, Box 28, 680 Pine Drive, Oakbank, Manitoba, R5N 0P8. A memorial service is planned for a future date.

“We cried endlessly when you died,

but promise we won’t let tears

mar the smiles that you’ve

given us when you were alive”.