Dalrymple, Catherine Elizabeth
Catherine ‘Cath’ Dalrymple (nee Atkins) passed away peacefully at the age of 84, on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 with her family by her side.
Catherine was born January 29, 1938, the eldest of two children, to the late Gladys (nee Currie) and Melville Atkins.
Catherine was predeceased by her husband, Desmond Dalrymple in 2019.
She was the much-loved mother of Scott Dalrymple (Ruth Hitchcock) and grandmother of Alyssa and Emily Dalrymple. Catherine is survived by brother Michael Atkins (Margaret Atkins) and will be missed by her niece and nephews, Karen, Albert and Chris. She will be remembered fondly by her sister-in-law, Barbara Dalrymple, her niece, Libby and nephew, Brian.
Catherine was born in Collingwood and raised on a farm at Victoria Corners (between Clarksburg and Ravenna). After attending university and working briefly in Toronto, Catherine moved to Deep River, Ontario to work as a teacher. It was there that Catherine met and married Des. When their only son, Scott, started grade school, Catherine changed careers, partnering with a friend to open “Sew & Save”, a small retail store selling sewing and craft supplies. Over twenty years, the business grew steadily and was renamed “Atkins” after the partner sold out and moved. In 1993, Des retired and Catherine sold the business. They traded their house for a 5th wheel trailer and a ¾ ton pickup truck. They set out on an eight-month lap of North America, after which they settled in Thornbury, Ontario to be closer to their son and to Catherine’s family. Des took up golf and Catherine opened a new business called “Ashtons Blinds Draperies Shutters”. A few years later Catherine was joined by her niece Karen James (Atkins) who eventually took over the business.
Retired for the second time, Catherine became active in local clubs and as a volunteer for Grace United Church. She became a grandma to Alyssa and Emily in Collingwood and part time property manager for her son.
In 2015, Catherine and Des moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, following their son and his family. Shortly after their move, Des had a debilitating stroke giving Catherine the additional challenge of living alone while visiting and supporting her institutionalized husband. During this time, her health slowly declined and she was burdened with depression and fatigue.
In 2021 she moved back to the Georgian Triangle area, first living with her brother and his wife in Meaford, then settling into Balmoral assisted living center in Collingwood for the final year of her life.
A funeral service celebrating Catherine’s life will be conducted at Grace United Church in Thornbury on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11 o’clock with a reception following.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Georgian Triangle Hospice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
Funeral service at Grace United Church in Thornbury, ON
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Scott & Ruth, Michael & Marg and family
Our deepest Sympathies! I know She was a very special Niece to Grandma Breadner! May you Cherish the Happy Memories during this difficult time! Hugs to you all!
Dawn (Cormack) & Ray Oude Voshaar
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Sorry to hear of the passing Catherine. My condolences to all the family. Bonnie Meesters
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Catherine was one of my dinner partners at Balmoral Place last year when I resided there. We had wonderful conversations. Sincere condolences to her family.
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Mike, Marg, and family,
My condolences to all the family in the loss of Catherine.
Irene
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Marina and I are very sad to hear about Catherine’s passing. She was a patient teacher and a huge support when we started our business. We will always remember her fondly. Very special lady. Sending our heart felt condolences to her family.
Katherine Arcaro & Marina Farrow
Friday, January 6, 2023
Sending love and hugs to Scott and family and to Mike (big Cous) and Marg and family. Although time and distance made it hard to visit with Catherine, we cherish the memories of time spent with her over the years. I remember when I was a junior bridesmaid in Catherine and Des’s wedding which was so exciting for me. Many a Christmas we spent with the Atkins family. Catherine had a very dry sense of humour and always gave good advice.
She will be missed.
Barb (Breadner) and Dave Cormack
Friday, January 6, 2023
To Catherine’s Family – I was sorry to hear of Catherine’s passing. She was a special lady! Keep your wonderful memories of her (& Des) close to your hearts! Blessings, Bonnie Hammond
Friday, January 6, 2023
Mike, you and your family have our deepest sympathy with the passing of Catherine. Did not know that she was here at Balmoral Place. I could have gone to visit her. She certainly led a very interesting life and you have wonderful memories.
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Mike, Marg and Family, sending you my sincere condolences on the passing of your sister! I enjoyed her company whenever she was in town and our paths crossed. She always had that lovely smile!
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Deepest condolences Scott. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Monday, January 9, 2023
Mike, Marg & family: My sincere condolences on the loss of your sister.
Rosemary Taylor
Monday, January 9, 2023
Thinking of you Scott and Ruth, Michael and Marg. Catherine was a ‘big sister’ to Michael and I when we were young and a great friend and advisor when we were older and went out on our own. Catherine and Des travelled and had many adventures during their time together, they guided Scott to be the fine young man he is today. RIP Catherine, you will be missed, we will cherish the memories.
Heather (Breadner) Murray
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
My mother Jean (nee McMurchy) and Catherine grew up in the same rural community at Victoria Corners in the former Collingwood Township. My mother was age 17 when Catherine was born. Thus, my mother had the pleasure of watching Catherine grow and develop through childhood into adulthood. Given that Catherine lived away from the Beaver Valley for many years, they rarely saw each other. Yet I always knew a special bond existed between them.
When my mother was living with cancer and in the last weeks of her earthly journey, Catherine came to visit her. I witnessed Catherine’s warmth, graciousness, wonderful conversational abilities, and strong ability to be fully present with another. There was a “mutual admiration” that flowed between them, and they took such pleasure in each other’s company.
It is with much gratitude that I remember Catherine and all that she shared and gave to those with whom she shared this earthly journey.
Thursday, January 12, 2023
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing Scott…thoughts and prayers are with you.
Friday, January 13, 2023
Catherine.
My cousin, my friend, my confidant, my inspiration. Always a warm caring voice on the telephone. Often we shared a few tears. Many good memories of our times together at Grandma and Grandpa Atkins’s house and Grandma’s house in town. Our lunch visits with the Atkins cousins (Catherine, Des, Michael and Margaret, Bill, Herb and Wilma)
My dear one you are greatly missed. Until we meet again. Love Wilma Andrus Ebel
Friday, January 13, 2023
Mike, Marg, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Catherine’s passing. May memories of happier times bring you comfort in this time of sorrow.
Wayne & Elizabeth Park
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Scott, Ruth, Emily and Alyssa
So sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Ted , Lesley, Madeline and Eric
Lalonde
Sunday, January 15, 2023
I was at the funeral for Catherine today and was so touched by the words and the music. They epitomized Catherine so well. I did not know her very well when she joined Amnesty International (Thornbury 82). It is a small group and the issues are intense so we got to know each other well as we discussed the human rights cases. She was a valued member.
Norine Baron