Catherine Lyons Deakin

DEAKIN, Catherine "Cathy" Lyons (nee Halliday) passed away peacefully on August 1, 2017. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 49 years, Fred, her daughter, Sandy (Quentin), her grandchildren Orin (Lisa) and Rhea (Les) and her great-grandchildren Alex, Joshua, Ethan, Grace and Abby, as well as numerous extended family and friends. She has been reunited with her six brothers and sisters.

Cathy grew up on her Maternal Grandparents farm in Hammond (now part of Maple Ridge).The Chatwins were one of the founding Families in the area and the road she grew up on is named after them. Her first job was pumping gas at the Hammond Gas station on Lougheed Highway.

From a young age Cathy worked hard. She was a woman before her time, moving to Edmonton at the age of 18 to work with family, and moved out on her own while she was there. Back at home in the Lower Mainland, she enjoyed the majority of her working years at Super Valu, first in Haney then In North Vancouver. After retirement she got a job at the Guildford Purdy's Chocolates, where she created a close group of "Purdy's Girls" friends. She was proud of the work she did and often shared stories from her time at both places.

Cathy was known as "Nanny" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as her grandchildren's friends and her neighbour's children. Her Surrey home was the gathering place for friends and Family for all the years she lived there.

A strong believer in prayer and positive thinking helped through many illnesses throughout her life and she is an inspiration to us all.

Cathy had great adventures with Fred over the years and she could recall all the details with her amazing memory. An avid Coronation Street fan, Cathy enjoyed watching the show and attending meet and greets with her daughter Sandy. She cherished her sleep overs with her grandchildren as they grew up, and spending time with her great grandchildren kept her young; they all knew "Nanny" had smarties ready and waiting for them. Cathy enjoyed lunches and movies with her large circle of friends. Her passing leaves an empty place at many tables.

Cathy's Celebration of Life will be on Wednesday August 30, 2017 at 1:30pm at Minnekhada Lodge...as per Cathy's wishes, bright colors only are to be worn at her celebration.

http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks/ParksPublications/MinnekhadaParkMap.pdf

In lieu of flowers donation to the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.