Passed away peacefully at the Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin on Friday, August 15, 2025, in her 99th year. Wife for 60 years of the late Raymond Williams (2012). Mother of Jim (Jackie), Nelda Reinhart, Heather, and the late Anne (2013). Grandmother of Andrew, Grant, and Keith Williams (Mayra), and Graham Reinhart (Monica), and great-grandmother of Kohen Williams. Sister of Eileen Kozak (late John 2014), and the late Lillian Williams (2013) (late Robert 2021). She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews in both Ontario and Alberta as well as various parts of the United States and abroad.
Born in Edmonton, AB, on October 17, 1926, she was the eldest daughter of Nick and Mary Sakaluk. Catherine grew up in Canmore, AB surrounded by the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the Bow River. In many ways her heart never really left the Bow Valley. In 1948 she graduated from the Royal Alexandra Hospital School of Nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse until she was married in 1951. At that point she and Ray returned to St. Thomas to set up home and build their life together. She was an active member of the former Grace United Church, St. Thomas, including the Ochre Unit of the UCW and the Choir. She and Ray enjoyed many years of road trips to Florida and Western Canada to visit family and friends, and to faithfully attend nursing school reunions. She was a talented needleworker and sewer, known for her baking, canning and serving many a fine feast over the years. The thing that brought her the most contentment was having her family all around.
In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Catherine’s life will be announced at a later date. Flowers respectfully declined. Memorial donations to the Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin will be gratefully acknowledged. Arrangements entrusted to the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160).
The family gratefully extend their sincere appreciation to the staff and volunteers of the Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin for their exceptional care and support during Catherine’s stay.
