May 17, 1934 - March 14, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother and grandmother, Catherine Quinlan on March 14th, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was known to many as Bobbi, a nickname given to her by her father because of her spirited and adventurous side as a young girl. Catherine began working as a registered nurse and acquired polio and meningitis. While receiving treatment in London, she met a young intern, Vince Quinlan. Catherine and Vince worked hard to create a wonderful life together, along with their six children, Christine, Sarah, John, Stephen, Michael and Katherine. Catherine was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend. She pursued many interests which enriched her life. Catherine had a beautiful sense of style, creating and sewing her clothing, taking night school carpentry courses and making beautiful pieces of furniture. Catherine’s love of nature was displayed by her flower and vegetable gardens. She was a member of the Stratford Horticulture society for many years, scheduling speakers and creating gardens around the city of Stratford. Amongst her many talents, she was an amazing cook, creating beautiful dinner celebrations. She truly was a woman ahead of her time and not afraid to tackle anything.
Catherine firmly believed in education, telling her children that education and hard work was the path to a good future. She shared her kindness and love with many through her generosity. The true loves of her life included her children and grandchildren. Catherine was a woman of deep faith, and our comfort is the assurance that she is now resting peacefully in the arms of Christ.
Catherine is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Vincent Quinlan (2010), her sisters Helen and Mary and brothers John and George. She is survived by her daughters Christine (David) Sarah (Doug) and Katherine (Ray) and by her sons John (Ya-Ling) Stephen (Lori) and Michael (Elizabeth). Also survived by loving grandchildren Jennifer, Johnny, Imogen, Rachel, Lauren, Quinn and Leah. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and many loving friends.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Wildwood Care Centre in St. Mary’s for their great compassion and care for Catherine in her final days and to Ken McCann for his kindness and care. As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made directly by credit card to the Alzheimer Society or the Stratford Perth Humane Society through the funeral home. A celebration of the Mass will take place on Monday, May 1st at 11am at Immaculate Conception Church, Well St, Stratford. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St, Stratford. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com 519.271.7411
