Catherine Shillington Nelson

Cate was a fiery and proud child of the prairies. Born in Brandon, Manitoba, her earliest life was spent on the farm with her parents, Maria (nee Grant) and Wesley Nelson. She was the oldest of three girls, along with Marion and Helen. Cate earned a BSc. degree from Brandon College in 1953, then pursued a new career in the oil industry in southern Alberta. It was at that time she met Walter John Los. They married and had three children, eventually settling in Calgary. The young family was part of a strong community of good friends and family like the “Priddis Irregulars” who gathered often, told stories, played games, engaged in friendly debate, and laughed.

Love and passion drove Cate. She loved her family dearly and her grandchildren especially. For each of her grandchildren, she gifted a one-on-one vacation to a place anywhere in the world they wished to go. There are many wonderful memories of family gatherings at home and at Helen and Larry’s cottage in Kenora.

The list of her involvement in good causes was long and long-lasting, including Church, AA, Famous Five Foundation, Alpha House, to name a few. It was within these institutions that Cate cultivated lasting, deep friendships.

Despite facing personal challenges, Cate’s resilience shone through. Divorced and unemployed, she depended on her friends’ encouragement and resources. Thus began a new and exciting career as a geophysicist with ESSO. There, she was a valued member of the team and was eventually dubbed “the Unsinkable Cate” after a high-seas adventure gathering seismic data in the North Atlantic. In every walk of life, generations of women and men admired her courage and are inspired by her commitment and tenacity. Cate took inspiration and comfort from her friends and her faith to see her through the difficult times.

Cate took early retirement from ESSO at the age of 55 and applied her talents to where her passions lay. She made new and lifelong friends in in her volunteer work. She spent a great deal of time in Tennessee with her daughter and dear friends and travelled the world extensively.

Cate often spoke her mind, and she was especially adamant about the right to die with dignity. She passed away the way she wanted: independent, at home, in control, and in a deep relationship with the Lord.

Cate is survived by her sister Helen (Larry); her children Gregory (Linda), Grant (Lauri), and Christy (Robyn); her grandchildren Geoffrey and Christopher, Tyler (Jaqueline), and Catherine; and her great-grandchild Robin.

In keeping with her Scottish heritage, a Memorial Service will be held the day before Robbie Burns Day, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Anglican Parish, 2828 19 Street N.W. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alpha House, a passion very dear to her heart.