van HEUGTEN, Catharina van Heugten -
April 11, 1928 - August 20, 2023
With grace and dignity, Cathy passed peacefully away looking into the eyes of her son.
She was surrounded by her family who she loved and dedicated her life to.
She was greatly loved.
Cathy was born in the Netherlands in 1928 to Henrika and Antony DeKemp being one of 8 children.
The family endured hardship during WW2, but survived to all live good lives.
Cathy married Harry van Heugten in the Netherlands in 1953 and very soon after they emigrated to Oshawa Canada, where her brothers Henk and his wife Paula, Tom and his wife Gemma and John and his wife Gerry were also building new lives in Ontario after emigrating.
They all remained very close and their children were more like siblings than cousins. Tante Toos was loved by all her nieces and nephews.
It was a tough start for Cathy and Harry, but they were happy and hard working. Harry worked for 40 years at General Motors in Oshawa and Cathy remained at home looking after their family of 4 children, Wilma (Steve), Hetty, Tony (Sue) and Brian (Lois).
After 44 years of marriage, her beloved husband Harry passed away and at the age of 50 her son Brian passed away.
Mom is survived by 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
She is also survived by her brother John and his wife Gerry, sister Riek in the Netherlands, sister-in-law Maria, brother-in-law Henry, as well as the van Heugten family in the Netherlands.
She was predeceased by her brothers Albert, Cor, Henk, Tom and Frans, as well as her sisters in law Paula, Gemma, Ton, her brother-in-law Tony and son in law Chris.
Cathy lived a simple life of faith being a member of St Gertrude's Parish for over 60 years. She and Harry bought a little house on Farewell St where Mom remained living for 60 years.
She was proud of her home and loved being there where over the years so much joy was created with family, extended family and friends. She loved to sew, cook and garden. In her elderly years, she lived at Traditions of Oshawa for 4 years. She was loved there and in those last years made many new friends. She loved her little apartment there.
Cathy had a great sense of humor and knew how to have fun. She always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She is and will always be greatly missed by her family and friends. We are consoled by the fact that she is now back with her husband, son, parents, siblings and friends.
Rest in God's peace Mom, Oma, Zus, Tante Toos. We will all miss you.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Gertrude’s Roman Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to Community Living – Sarnia Lambton.
Online condolences may be shared at armstrongfh.ca .
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