Catherine Cathy (Marshall) Fleming

When Catherine Fleming walked into the room, those in her company felt energy, an enthusiastic spontaneity. This was just one example of who "Cathy" was and how she impacted those around her. "Cathy" was a clever and gregarious person who always sought out the finest attributes in other people. It was as if "Cathy" wanted to share all of their experiences, revel in their lives and celebrate their discoveries. "Cathy" was tireless and had boundless enthusiasm that would serve her well throughout her life.

       She was the daughter of Cecil and Winnifred Marshall. "Cathy" was raised on Leigh's Bay road in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Always at the ready with a good joke, she grew up to be quite a humorous person. While some who knew "Cathy" might describe her as an idealist, her friends and family understood well that "Cathy" was always in pursuit of life’s endless possibilities and opportunities available to her.

      "Cathy" was raised with two siblings. She had one sister named Phyllis and one brother named Cecil Duncan. "Cathy" was very accepting and supportive of her family. She was perceived as the central person in her family in terms of keeping communication open between the family members. Whenever discord or tension arose within the home, "Cathy" was typically the member who brought about resolution and harmony. These traits served "Cathy" well in her adult life and, along with her wit, outgoing personality, and understanding of others, drew the admiration of many who knew her.

      As a young girl, "Cathy" was able to empathize and identify with a vast array of people and personality types. This quality drew her into a diverse group of friends and acquaintances. "Cathy" was intelligent and had little trouble getting along with her peers. She was almost always the first to jump in when it came to playing games or participating in other childhood activities. In her spare time she liked to play with her horses and her dog Scotty on the farm. "Cathy" had the ability to find amusement with almost any activity she and the many childhood friends she shared might discover.

      During her high school years, "Cathy" responded enthusiastically to any new project and was regularly in search of one adventure after another. She graduated from Korah Collegiate C&VS in 1970. "Cathy" was a very good student, and generally did well in her courses. "Cathy" absorbed as much as she could from all of her teachers and was consistently able to tackle conceptual and abstract problems, using her imagination to master her assignments. For "Cathy", school often became just an extension of playtime, thanks to her ability to turn just about anything into a game. Classmates considered "Cathy" a good listener, knowing that when necessary, they could go to her to discuss just about anything. Cathy was among the first class at Korah Collegiate. The new highschool had just been built when she started.

      "Cathy" did well in college, as a result of her comfort level with tackling new theories and her love of learning. She earned her degree in nursing and became a Registered Nurse, all while caring for two young kids at home. "Cathy" was very adaptable, a quality that helped her make the transition from high school to college with little difficulty. As a result, "Cathy"'s problem solving skills and thirst for new knowledge almost guaranteed that she enjoyed virtually every class she took. "Cathy" was always in quest of new things to learn and experience.

      "Cathy" was a hard working parent who always made sure lunches were prepared and there would be something for dinner. "Cathy" was blessed with three children: two sons, Trevor and Brett, and one daughter, Karen. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Nika, Nehven and Paxton.

      "Cathy" was uplifted by new ideas and was excited by life’s possibilities, both traits that made her an exceptional worker. Her primary occupation was Care Coordinator. She was employed by the North East LHIN. "Cathy" was enterprising, inventive and working for other families to make sure they were being provided the care they needed. "Cathy" had the uncanny ability to identify a win/win solution to just about any problem, possibly because of her gift for insight. "Cathy"'s fellow workers saw her as a supporter and a mentor.

      Because "Cathy" loved to have a broad variety of activities in her life, she took advantage of the opportunity to pursue numerous hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were sewing, baking delicious sweets, redecorating and shopping! Cathy loved to shop! "Cathy" had a knack for being able to multi-task in order to create time for all of her favorite pastimes. However, "Cathy"'s ever-present concern for others always took precedent.

      Throughout her life, "Cathy" was actively involved in professional and community organizations. She was compassionate, accommodating and quick to move into action. Always able to build a consensus, "Cathy" seemed to be the person smack dab in the middle of things, working to get things done. Those who had the opportunity to work with "Cathy" usually agreed that when you were involved in an organization with her, it was as entertaining as anything you could imagine. Throughout her later years, "Cathy" was an active member of Rotary and the Ontario Nurses Association.

      "Cathy"'s love of improvising in her daily life was a perfect fit for her enjoyment of traveling. Excited about seeing changing scenery and constantly looking for the enjoyment life could offer, "Cathy" took her vacations seriously, well, as seriously as she possibly could. Some of her favorite vacations included visiting her sister Phyllis in Cape Cod, Texas and Connecticut.

      "Cathy" was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Cathy's favourite pet growing up was her dog Scotty! She loved that dog so much she named Trevor after him. Trevor Scott! Her family was rounded out by the many pets they had on the farm.

      "Cathy" Fleming passed away on November 14, 2018 at Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH). Cathy fought a very courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. She is survived by her children Trevor, Karen and Brett and her grandchildren Nika, Nehven and Paxton. Services were held at Arthur Funeral Home.

      There was always a certain style and inventiveness to "Cathy". She was a dynamic, self-expressive person who was forever looking to celebrate the endless possibilities life had to offer. She had a knack for being clever, creative and witty, and for others, was a joy to be around. While she was often fiercely independent, it seemed as if many others looked to "Cathy" Fleming for inspiration, leadership, wisdom and even courage. "Cathy" was always more than willing to share life’s experiences with her loved ones.

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FLEMING, Catherine (nee Marshall) - Peacefully at Algoma Residential Community Hospice with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 in her 66 year.

Much loved mother of Trevor Norton (Dawn), Karen Braido (Mike) and Brett Norton (Lanaea). The most amazing Grammy of Nika, Nehven and Paxton. Cherished daughter of the late Cecil and Winnifred Marshall. Dear sister of Cecil Marshall (June) and Phyllis Gowans (late Greg). Cathy will be greatly missed by the Fleming family and by many nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. Friends may visit the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522) on Friday, November 30, 2018 for a Celebration of Life from 11 am until 1 pm. Memorial contributions to ARCH would be appreciated by the family. The family would like to thank Kathleen and Ilena for all the love and support. Special thanks to Dr. Booth, Dr. Shiafee and Dr. Berry, nurse Amy of 3B and the kind and gentle nurses in the Cancer Clinic and ARCH for always going above and beyond.