Mrs Catherine Mary Del Bel

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Catherine Mary Del Bel. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Catherine was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Catherine was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.

      From the time she was born on June 24, 1965, Catherine showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Catherine came into this world at General Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Her parents were Virginia (Peggy) and Bernard (Skip) Murphy. Catherine was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

      Because fellowship was so important to her, Catherine promoted harmony with her siblings. She was raised with four siblings. She had Jody, Matthew, Brendan and Kevin all older than her. Catherine was something of the family diplomat. She helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

      As a young girl, Catherine interacted well with other children. She was helpful. She was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Catherine had a number of interests in her youth. She was an active child. In her spare time she liked to play outside with friends; ballet; singing contests. Catherine's memorable achievements included.

      A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Catherine was considered by many to be a high achiever. She graduated from Mount St. Joseph in 1983. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was shorthand and typing. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Miss James.

      Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Catherine was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer her group of friends. She was generally friendly to all who knew her, yet to some she seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Catherine, they recognized that she could be full of surprises. Catherine enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. She would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of her ability to read people, she had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. While growing up, some of her best friends were Patty Wennerstrom, Debbie MacDonald, Noel Pauguette, Barb Cove, Theresa Spadafore, Gloria Guzzo and Sheila Meawasige. Later in life, she became friends with the Mortschenko and Del Bel Family, Rosemary and Willie Nightingale, Kelly Barrow, families of the Coopers, Cecile's, D'Agnolos, Brisson's, Donaldson's, Laura Del Bel and many, many neighbours.

      Catherine was romantic, even poetic at times. She was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show her emotions without going overboard about it. On July 27, 1991 Catherine exchanged wedding vows with Lorrie Del Bel at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

      All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Catherine was able to bond with her children. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her kids. Catherine was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Catherine was blessed with One, Brittny Ann.

      Catherine projected a subtle but positive influence in her workplace. She was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and she worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While her colleagues did not view her as a high-spirited type, Catherine was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for her ideas. Catherine could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. She possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. She was an innovator who worked well independently, and she enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. Her primary occupation was Mom and housewife after 10 years in Retail and Banking. She was employed for 10 years in Retail and Banking.

      As an imaginative and inventive person, Catherine was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Catherine took on a new project, she saw it through to its completion. Her favorite pursuits were painting statues, journaling, taking photos of nature and animals and being with nature and animals. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Catherine was one who put forth her best effort in every aspect of her life, and that carried over to her participation in sports as well. Her sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from her teammates. Recreational sports included badminton. Catherine was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity.

      Because Catherine was a person who enjoyed helping, teaching and working with others, she was a perfect fit for many types of organizations. Her ability to encourage others, energize the group and her ability to solve all sorts of problems made her a desirable member of a wide variety of organizations. Throughout her later years, Catherine was an active volunteer at a nursing home, visiting the lonely and being with palliative people as they passed.

      Catherine possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced her travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included Florida and Miami Beach, Trail's End and family group camping reunions.

      Catherine was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Catherine's favorites was Rescue cat named "Pippi". They were best friends for Pippi is nine years old. Her family was rounded out by her two other cats, "Princess and Lucky".

       Services were held at Arthur's Funeral Home. Catherine was laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

      Though she could be a private person at times, Catherine was always able and willing to give of herself. She was so in tune with others that she often seemed able to read their minds. Catherine carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of her life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Catherine Mary Del Bel shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Catherine for the strength of her convictions.

DEL BEL, Catherine Mary - Surrounded by loved ones and resting before swaying trees. Holding hands with her father, husband and daughter, Catherine passed peacefully at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

Once called “Snow White” for her gentle character and love of nature and animals, she lived her life caring deeply for all those around her. She spent much of her time writing, walking, and connecting with family, friends, and her faith. Her parting wish was for all those left behind to feel her peace.

Beloved wife and best friend of Lorrie. Loving mother and best friend of Brittny (Patrick Begin), and fur baby Pippi. Loving daughter of "Skip" Bernard and the late "Peggy" Virginia Murphy. Daughter-in-law of the late Carmel and Leo Del Bel. Dearest sister of the late Jody Murphy, Matthew Murphy (Jeannette), Brendan Murphy (Kelly) and Kevin Murphy (Gloria). Sister-in-law of Leo Del Bel (late Laura), Leah Tatasciore (Enzo), Theresa Laurenti (Dario), Geraldine LeClair (Dave) and Paul Del Bel. Also survived by many loving Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews.

Catherine and Lorrie wish to thank all those who were a compassionate and a healing part of their journey. With special thanks to those who resided at Bayshore, St. Michaels, St. Joseph’s, and Sault Area Hospital. As well they would like to thank ARCH Hospice for their tender, loving care in helping bring Catherine to rest.

Family and friends are invited to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522) on Friday, June 16, 2023 from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Funeral service to follow at 1 pm. Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Everyone is invited to view the service online starting at 1:00 pm on Friday, June 16, 2023 and can be viewed anytime up to 90 days, go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Catherine’s name. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial donations (payable by cheque or online) to ARCH or to "TAAG" The Animal Assistance Group would be appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Del Bel family.

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DEL BEL, Catherine Mary - Surrounded by loved ones and resting before swaying trees. Holding hands with her father, husband and daughter, Catherine passed peacefully at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

Once called “Snow White” for her gentle character and love of nature and animals, she lived her life caring deeply for all those around her. She spent much of her time writing, walking, and connecting with family, friends, and her faith. Her parting wish was for all those left behind to feel her peace.

Beloved wife and best friend of Lorrie. Loving mother and best friend of Brittny (Patrick Begin), and fur baby Pippi. Loving daughter of "Skip" Bernard and the late "Peggy" Virginia Murphy. Daughter-in-law of the late Carmel and Leo Del Bel. Dearest sister of the late Jody Murphy, Matthew Murphy (Jeannette), Brendan Murphy (Kelly) and Kevin Murphy (Gloria). Sister-in-law of Leo Del Bel (late Laura), Leah Tatasciore (Enzo), Theresa Laurenti (Dario), Geraldine LeClair (Dave) and Paul Del Bel. Also survived by many loving Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews.

Catherine and Lorrie wish to thank all those who were a compassionate and a healing part of their journey. With special thanks to those who resided at Bayshore, St. Michaels, St. Joseph’s, and Sault Area Hospital. As well they would like to thank ARCH Hospice for their tender, loving care in helping bring Catherine to rest.

Family and friends are invited to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522) on Friday, June 16, 2023 from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Funeral service to follow at 1 pm. Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Everyone is invited to view the service online starting at 1:00 pm on Friday, June 16, 2023 and can be viewed anytime up to 90 days, go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Catherine’s name. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial donations (payable by cheque or online) to ARCH or to "TAAG" The Animal Assistance Group would be appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Del Bel family.