Obituary of Catherine MARCHUK

May 1, 1954 – Kentville, Nova Scotia
February 23, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Catherine (Cathy) “Kay" MacDonald (Smith) Marchuk on the early morning of February 23, 2021 at the age of 66. She passed peacefully and calmly, much like her natural demeanor.

Catherine was born May 1, 1954 in Kentville, NS where her parents had emigrated just months earlier from Scotland. Her Dad was enrolled in the Canadian Army as a Piper and she spent her childhood growing up in various places that included Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Germany, Ontario and Alberta.

Catherine graduated from the University of Alberta with an Arts degree in 1979. It was there that she met and fell in love with her best friend, Ed. They were married in Edmonton on September 6, 1980 surrounded by friends and family. That same year they moved and settled in Calgary.

Prior to having children, Ed and Catherine spent their weekends in Montana skiing, visiting the Marchuk family farm near St. Paul, AB, camping, and spending time with their nephews Sean, Todd and Brad.

Catherine began her career in Human Resources and quickly found a love for the industry. She took a hiatus from professional work to be a stay-at-home Mom when her boys were little and during this time she co-ran a gift basket business. Her creativity and love for sewing and other handmade gifts spoiled everyone around her. Catherine loved to try new things. Her love for cooking was colossal and always brought the family together. Anyone close to Catherine knows her love for food and that being in the kitchen was extremely important to her. Due to this, the Marchuk kitchen was constantly full of friends and family alike, where people were always sharing many laughs over full bellies. The cookbook full of Catherine’s classic recipes, made by Ed’s cousin, Lara Roszell, will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Catherine made a promise to her late father that she would maintain a strong relationship with her family in Scotland and it is clear that she made good on her promise. Catherine has our assurance that we will carry on that promise. Her family was her heart and soul and she poured her love into everyone, near and far. Nothing brought more joy to Catherine than having family get-togethers and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Catherine will be forever missed, but her legacy will be carried on by all that loved her so dearly. She was an amazing lady and an even better wife, mom and “Nana”.

Besides her best friend and loving husband of forty years, Edmund (Ed), Catherine is survived by her three sons, Lee (Alida), Craig (Mariana) and Cameron (Alexis); her three grandchildren, Julia, Warren and Dawson; her two brothers, Alister (Inger) and Derek (Lillian) and their children Erik, Kristina, Fiona, Meagan and Katie. Catherine was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Dolina Smith. Catherine will be lovingly remembered by her family, her dear friends in Calgary and elsewhere, and her adoring family in Scotland.

“It’s hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember”

A private family service will be held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Catherine’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made directly to the High River Health Care Foundation, highriverhealthfoundation.ca. This is where Cathy went for her treatments and was cared for like family. 
 

In living memory of Catherine Marchuk, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.