Cathy McRae (b. Nov 15, 1950) passed away peacefully on April 30, 2014 after a hard fought battle with cancer. She leaves behind her beloved husband and fellow travel owl, Michael. Cathy was a generous, loving human being and a powerful example for her nieces, Rae (Bruce), Kate and nephew James (Ana) and Michael’s daughters Kelly (Brad) and Alexis. She was a doting grandma to Frances and Charlotte. Cathy grew up in Winnipeg, MB. She learned to stand up for herself early as the youngest of three Paterson children. She followed her two older brothers Allan and Bob to YMCA-YWCA Camp Stephens where the Paterson family actively participated in all aspects of camp life. As the girl of the family, Cathy joined the Winnipeg YWCA and spent 6 weeks each summer at YWCA Camp Kinnaird where she was the lead member of the ‘Peppiest Girls’. Cathy distinguished herself as a synchronized swimmer and competed at the national level. She is memorialized in the Manitoba Swimming Hall of Fame. The Paterson Family relocated to BC in 1968. During this time Cathy discovered her love of travel and lived out her dream of owning and operating Hastings Travel Agency. She travelled extensively throughout her life but always looked forward to returning home and spending time at her beautiful home on Galiano Island, which she and her first husband Doug built themselves. Life wasn’t always easy, but Cathy forged a new beginning when she became a friend of Bill W. and met her soul mate, Michael. Together they actively participated in meetings and programs in Vancouver and around the world. Their leadership and support touched and inspired many to pursue new beginnings in their own lives. At the age of 40, Cathy took her own advice and went back to school. She completed high school, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UBC and went on to obtain a Master’s Degree specializing in addiction from Antioch University in Keene, New Hampshire. She then returned to BC and worked at the women’s program at the Aurora Centre. Cathy and Michael continued their world travels with interludes at their winter home in Casa Grande, Arizona until her very last months. Cathy’s indomitable spirit, zest for adventure, warmth and generosity touched all she met. She will be lovingly remembered by friends and family around the world. A gathering to celebrate the life of Cathy will be held in June and in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Avalon Centre. Condolences may be offered at www.victoryfuneralcentre.ca
MCRAE: “CATHY” CATHERINE (NEE PATERSON) Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre 604-536-6522