Catherine Anne Randall

Catherine Anne Randall, was born on June 17, 1946, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and passed away on July 11, 2026, in Halifax at the age of 80 years old. She lived a life that was generous, thoughtful, and wonderfully funny in the way only truly kind people can be. Catherine was the daughter of John and Marion Randall, both deceased, and she was also predeceased by her brothers John “Jack” Randall and David Randall. She is lovingly remembered by her sisters Eleanor Brucks, Marion Croft, Lorraine Randall, Clayre Charlton, Patricia Randall, and Suzanne Goodwin, as well as by many nieces and nephews across the country and abroad. Special mention must be made of nephews James Charlton (Penelope and daughter Isabelle) and Christian Croft (Heather), whose unwavering support and devotion to Catherine during her final days brought her great comfort and peace. She held a special place in her heart for Mitch Randall, Donna Graham, Kelsey Goodwin, Andrew Goodwin, Jillian Goodwin, and Tim Goodwin, among many other nieces and nephews—too numerous to list—whom she cherished deeply. She treasured the visits from her niece Lindsay Delorey and her children, as well as her nephew Michael Croft, his wife Eva, and their children.

Catherine also held a very special place in her heart for Nathan Pink and Emma Pink, whom she considered family; she shared in many of their celebrations and successes with the kind of enthusiasm that made ordinary moments feel like a holiday. Their presence brought her immeasurable joy and peace, and she took great pride in celebrating their many accomplishments. She cherished a lifelong friendship with Nancy Rann, a relationship that was unwavering throughout the decades and brought them both much joy. Those who will deeply miss Catherine's presence include her cherished friends Mario and Marjorie Chow of North Carolina.

Catherine grew up in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, and attended Liverpool Regional High School before continuing her education at Camp Hill Nursing School. In 1965, after graduating from the nursing school, she began her career as a Nursing Assistant, and from that point on, caring for others was not just her work; it was her way of moving through the world. She moved to Montreal to begin her nursing career, later returning to Liverpool and eventually coming home to Halifax, where she worked at the Victoria General Hospital on various units. Catherine had the rare ability to make hard work look almost effortless, even when everyone around her knew it was anything but. She could handle long days, busy shifts, and all the surprises that hospital life could throw at her, and still manage to leave people feeling better simply because she had been there.

Her professional life extended well beyond the bedside. Catherine was later called to become involved with the Nova Scotia Certified Nursing Assistant Association, where her commitment and service were recognized with the honour of Lifetime Membership in the Licensed Practical Nurses Association. Throughout her retirement, she remained active on various committees dedicated to improving the lives of Nova Scotians. Catherine never really understood the concept of “taking it easy” if there was still something worthwhile to be done. She was the kind of woman who retired from one chapter only to keep quietly improving the next one, which is a very polite way of saying that she never stopped being useful, involved, or just a little bit formidable.

Outside of her work and service, Catherine loved summer above all else, especially her time at Summerville Beach. She took great pride in showing visitors the many beautiful beaches throughout Nova Scotia, as if she had been appointed official tour guide for the province and had accepted the role with dignity and a good sense of timing. She loved the ocean, the warm weather, and the chance to share places she cherished with the people she loved. Her greatest love, next to her large extended family, was her cats, Xena, Panther, and her dear Kitty. These beloved companions no doubt benefited from her affection, her attention, and perhaps a few conversations that were one-sided only in the technical sense.

Catherine will be remembered for her warmth, her wit, and her generous spirit. She had the kind of humor that could lighten a room without ever dimming the seriousness of the moment, and she had the kind of thoughtfulness that made people feel seen and cared for. She was a steady presence, a loyal sister, a loving aunt, a devoted family member, and a friend whose kindness reached far beyond her own home. Her life was marked by service, love, laughter, and a deep connection to the people and places that mattered most to her.

Those who knew Catherine will remember that she had a gift for making life feel a little more manageable and a little more amusing at the same time. She could be practical without being plain, funny without trying too hard, and caring without ever making a show of it. That combination is rarer than it should be, and it is one of the many reasons she will be so deeply missed. Her memory will live on in the family she cherished, the colleagues she supported, the communities she served, and the countless stories that will continue to be told with affection and a smile.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nursing staff and care team at Northwood’s Halifax Campus for the devoted attention and kindness shown to Catherine during her time there.

In lieu of a service, Catherine's family honours her wish that loved ones continue to embrace life fully and celebrate her memory with joy rather than sorrow. A scattering of her ashes involving family will take place in the summer of 2027.

Those wishing to pay tribute are encouraged to make a donation in Catherine's name to the Bide Awhile Animal Shelter, an organization close to her heart (https://bideawhile.org/).