Catharina Mayall

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Mother, Catharina Mayall. Catharina was born in Haarlem, Netherlands in 1935.  She is predeceased by her mother, Alida, father, Johan, sister Wilhelmina and her dear husband, John. She is survived by her four children, Linda (David), Susan, Stephen (Melanie) and Michelle (Chris), seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, her sister Agnes and brother Charlie.  During her childhood, Catharina bravely lived through the ravages of World War II. She immigrated to Canada in her early 20s and devoted herself to learning English and immersing herself in the Canadian way of life. She met the love of her life, John, at the age of 20 while working for CP Rail in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. They married in 1956. Theirs was a deep love that abided even past John’s own passing end endured until her very last breath. Catharina had four children with John - Linda, Susan, Stephen and Michelle. They lived their lives together in Calgary, Alberta where Catharina worked at the Calgary Petroleum Club. Catharina’s heart broke into pieces when John passed away in 1991 but her strength and determination helped her to pick up the pieces and move on. After a visit to her youngest daughter in Vancouver and a visit to the ocean, she made the courageous decision to move to the Coast to be near the water. She was always at peace when she was around water. She built an incredible life for herself in North Vancouver, BC where she immersed herself in the community. She joined St. Andrew’s United Church in North Vancouver and sang in the choir for many years which was a great love of hers. She met many friends along the way including her special friend, Carol. She took Tai Chi lessons and she was well known for the miles she walked and the people she greeted along the streets of North Vancouver. Catharina was a talented knitter and she knitted dozens of blankets and donated them to various charities on the North Shore. Her knitting projects became hallmarks of hers and she was so proud of them all. Catharina had a great sense of humor and was known for making people smile and laugh. In her later years, Catharina struggled with many health issues but she faced each and every one with strength and determination. Her strength got her so far in life-right up until the very end. We will miss her very much. A private family gathering for Catharina will be held at a later date. Catharina generously gave to several charities throughout her life so we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vancouver Union Gospel Mission, The Salvation Army or Doctors Without Borders.