It is with great sadness the family of Catherine Mary Hemsing announces her passing after a long 3.5 yr fight with brain cancer on April 15th 2015 at the age of 37.
Catherine was born in Calgary AB, to Jim and Maureen Dunne June 4th, 1977 the third of four siblings Lisa, Eoin, and Ellen. Catherine attended the University of Calgary where she received a degree of Bachelor of Arts in History on June 10th, 1999 a subject very dear to her heart, and a Degree of Bachelor of Education on June 11th, 2002. She went on to follow her dream to become a teacher where she found a job at St. Boniface Catholic School.
July 26th, 2003 Catherine married Robert-John Hemsing where they lived together in Calgary, Alberta. April 15th 2005 was a start of a new stage in Catherine’s life with the birth of her first born Aidan, she took a break from teaching so she could devote all that she had on her new family. Shortly after Aidan, Rory was born December 29th, 2006, and finally little Katie was born November 2009. On November 1st, 2010 Catherine and her family moved to Beaumont, AB. Catherine’s #1 priority in life was her family. She loved watching her children grow and experience new things. June 2011 Catherine was diagnosed with a brain tumour. From the start of the biggest challenge of her life she chose to face it with strength and courage. She refused to let her diagnosis control her life. She chose to live each day with joy and love and appreciation for all around her.
Catherine is survived by her husband Robert, and three children Aidan, Rory, and Katie, her parents Jim and Maureen, her three siblings Lisa, Eoin, and Ellen mother-in-law, Connie–semicolon– father-in-law, Herbert–semicolon– brother-in-law, Brad–semicolon– and many other close family and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made out to the Brain Tumour foundation of Canada, www.braintumor.ca
A Prayer Service will be held on April 21, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home, 10011 -114 Street, Edmonton, AB. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on April 22, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Vital Church, 4905 50 St, Beaumont, AB with a light luncheon following in the church basement. That evening friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Catherine’s life at 6pm at the Colonial golf course in Beaumont.
Deirdre Halferty says
Jim, Maureen and Family. We are so very sad for you at this tragic time. There are no words really.May God Bless you to find the strength to cope. Deirdre and Margaret
Eileen and Fern Bourassa says
Maureen, Jim, Lisa, Eoin and Ellen, we are very sad to hear such devastating news about your beloved Catherine. We look back to the era of dancing, Catherine and Elaine were the same age…it really does not seem that long ago. You always were a very close family and we will keep all of you, including your son on law and grandchildren in our prayers.
Lorraine (Rowbotham) La Fournie says
Catherine was a childhood friend of mine. We shared the exact same birthday, and sang at grade nine grad together. We went to Madeleine D’Houet and St. Mary’s together and every time I saw her, she was smiling and so full of joy. The last time I saw Catherine was at our 10 year reunion, 10 years ago. Aiden was born just a couple of months earlier and all that Catherine could talk about was how much she loved him and loved being a mother. We connected for a few years over social media and I loved watching her post pictures of her children and family, whom she clearly adored.
When I heard of Catherine’s passing, I was heartbroken. My heart aches for her children, parents, siblings and friends, whom I’m sure are devastated by her death. I hope that she is resting in the peace that she so deserves. xxoo
Todd Davis says
Catherine was a truly caring and generous person. I am honored to have known her.
Therese Marceau says
Having just heard of Catherine’s passing I am very,very sad. I taught Catherine at Madeleine d”Houet school when she was in Grade Nine and can still picture this joyful, energetic, lovely girl. I was known as Madame Van{Heslinga} at that time. I also got to know Ellen in my classes. I would very much like to send you a memorial card of masses so if you would be so kind as to send me your address I will do that . My deepest sympathy, love and prayers. Thank You.
Angie Shannon says
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts are with you and the kids through this hard time.
Michelle Broniszeski Nicholson says
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all today. All my sympathy-Michelle
Dennis & Lynda Courtney says
Please know that we think of you all every day – so very sad. Our love, thoughts and prayers go to you all.
Celine Moore-Murphy says
Praying for you this day, that you will have strength of faith and feel peace as you lay to rest your dear daughter and sister Catherine. My deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to you all.
Sincerely, Celine Moore-Murphy
Bonnie Curran says
Thinking of you at this most difficult time, and praying that the strength of your loving family will help you find comfort and peace.
Janice Harte says
To the Dunne/Hemsing Family,
Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you during this most difficult time. I remember Catherine as a wee little one when I taught at Lisa at Holy Name School. I do remember mostly the wonderful Dunne family love and togetherness and I pray now that this will bring you comfort and hope now as you say Good Bye to your dear Catherine. Rest in peace, Catherine.
Gwen and Lanny Curkan - Irwin says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.
Lanny, Gwen and Family