Catherine MacKay Currie

Upper Grand Mira/Sydney

  “Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Catherine Currie, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

      Catherine was born on March 15, 1919 at North Shore in Gabarus, Nova Scotia. She was the daughter of Donald John and Elizabeth (MacEachern) MacKay. Raised in Victoria Bridge, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

      As a young girl, Catherine was always aware of how others around her felt and this quality served her well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Catherine was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Catherine was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where she could concentrate, Catherine also had the ability to relate well with her family and friends. Catherine was raised with one sibling. She had a brother, Duncan Joseph who died in infancy. Catherine was constantly involved in activities with her family. Catherine and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

      Most folks would say that Catherine was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Catherine was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. Because of this, Catherine best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Catherine kept. She became friends with Nana Gillis, Margaret MacEachern, Annie Durelle, Mrs. Gallant, Mrs. Walsh and Mrs. Lewis.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Catherine. On October 25, 1949 Catherine married Joseph Angus Currie at Grand Mira in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. She was totally committed to Joseph A., and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Catherine naturally sensed her spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Catherine disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Catherine was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Catherine was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. In addition, Catherine was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Catherine was blessed with eight children, four daughters; Patricia, Mary, Pauline and Cecilia and four sons; Tom, John, Bernie and Donald. They were also blessed with ten grandchildren, Mark, Ryan, Ian, Natalie, Christine, Joseph, Jerod, Cheryl, Scott and Andrea.

      If you gave Catherine a deadline, she would meet it. At work, Catherine was always on task. Without hesitation, Catherine could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation was a homemaker. During that time, Catherine excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. She was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Catherine was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Catherine had at true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. She was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      Catherine liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Catherine's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Catherine preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were knitting, sewing, cooking and baking. Catherine was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself and could often be found just reading about her favorite pastimes.

      While thorough and measured in her approach to things, Catherine often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. She was like that with sports. She also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, she was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were curling and hockey.

      Catherine was active in the community. She was practical and grounded and based her decisions on first hand experience. She was responsible and liked working to achieve results rather than just chattering about possibilities. Catherine was a member of several community groups, serving on committees responsible for baking duties for St. Margaret's Church Ladies Aid.

      An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, her faith was important to Catherine. Her compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in her personal beliefs. She was a member of St. Margaret's Church, Grand Mira and St. Joseph's Church, Sydney.

       Catherine was as loyal to her pets as they were to her. She loved both dogs and cats.

      Catherine passed away on April 9, 2009 at The Cape Breton Regional Hospital of old age. She is survived by sons John (Mary), Howie Center; Bernie (Patricia Lyn), Guysborough; daughters Mary (John) Huskins, Edmonton; Patricia (Bob) Schilling; Paulline (Gary) Sexsmith, Calgary; Cecilia, Sydney; grandchildren Mark, Ian, Joseph, Christine, Jerod, Cheryl, Andrea, Scott and Natalie.

Services were held at St. Margaret's Catholic Church, Grand Mira. Catherine was laid to rest in St. Margaret's Cemetery, Grand Mira.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Catherine was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Catherine was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Catherine Currie was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Catherine. She will be missed.