April 30th 1947 – August 23rd 2010
It is with deep sadness that Mark de Bruijn and the Evans family announce the death of Cathy. She died at home surrounded by close friends and family early Monday morning.
Cathy will be remembered as a gracious and social woman with a strong ability to encompass and make a difference in the lives of many. Her appreciation and reverence of nature, her care and commitment to family, and her love of fun and laughter were well known.
Throughout her life she was guided by a desire to seek truth and inner peace and to live her life in accordance with her higher spiritual beliefs. To this goal she brought a tenacity and dedication that is truly inspiring.
Cathy was born in the Comox Valley to George and Vera Evans, the fourth of seven children. After graduation from UBC she taught school in Duncan until 1975.
Cathy moved to 100 Mile House in 1976, where she lived for the next twenty years, meeting and marrying her husband, Mark de Bruijn, in 1992. During her time in the Cariboo, she developed new skills, excelling in restaurant management and executive catering at the Red Coach Inn and the 108 Restaurant. She returned to teaching in 1991, becoming the teacher-librarian at 100 Mile Elementary School for a number of years.
In 1997, Cathy and Mark moved to Cortes Island for three years, during which time Cathy entered into a rigorous process of healing from breast cancer. They moved to the Courtenay area in 2000, where Cathy took a position as a teacher-librarian and later as a classroom teacher. She joined ReMax in 2005 for a successful three year career in real estate. During this time Cathy loved their travels to Holland, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Spain and France.
When Cathy’s cancer returned, she continued to pursue many healing modalities while Mark provided steadfast and nurturing support.
Cathy lived her life to the fullest, always extending her beautiful spirit to everyone in her world.
A memorial for Cathy was held at the Native Sons’ Hall In Courtenay on Sunday, August 29th at 3 p.m.