It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mary Catherine “Cathy” Samuelson (née Quigley) on June 30th, 2026, peacefully at home with her family. Cathy is survived by her loving husband, Greg; children, Matthew and Phoebe; parents, Harry and Linda; and many beloved family members and friends.
Cathy was born in Windsor, grew up in London, and moved to Toronto to pursue her postgraduate studies. It was there that she began working at North Yorkers for Disabled Persons, where she met her husband and engaged in her life’s work of supporting people with disabilities. The organization and the many people there continued to hold a special place in her heart.
Cathy passed away from complications due to ALS after living with the disease for six and a half years. Her love, humour, positivity, strength, and determination in the face of this disease was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She was, and will always remain, a shining light in our lives. Cathy will be dearly missed, as her kindness and compassion touched so many people.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many people who provided care for Cathy. Their compassion, dedication, and support made it possible for her to fulfill her wish of remaining at home, surrounded by the people she loved.
A funeral service will be held on July 13th, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes, 8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON L4J 6W6.
Memorial donations may be made to the North Yorkers for Disabled Persons Communication Enrichment Class (nydp.ca/donations).
