Obituary of Catherine Ann Disturnal

March 19, 1931 – Portage la Prairie, Manitoba

July 15, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Catherine Ann Disturnal of Calgary, AB., passed away peacefully on Friday, July 15, 2022, in Calgary.

Catherine Ann was born in Portage la Prairie Manitoba to Emerson and Myrtle Burton on March 19, 1931.  She grew up in Macdonald near Portage, completing her primary school education in her hometown before attending Portage Collegiate followed by St. Boniface nursing school in Winnipeg.  She graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1952 and soon after moved to London, ON., to work in the Victoria Hospital emergency room. In 1955 she moved to Calgary with her best friend and nursing colleague Jean Robinson (nee Robb) working at the Calgary General Hospital ER. While in Calgary, Catherine Ann met and married Richard (Dick) Disturnal in 1956, raising their three children and completing her nursing career at the Rocky View General Hospital.

Catherine Ann was known to be an excellent and highly respected nurse who was outgoing, pragmatic, and strong minded.  She loved being “Grum” to her grandchildren and enjoyed playing the piano (self-taught) and travelling. Following the death of Dick in 2011, Catherine Ann enjoyed many years of a special relationship with Keith Taylor.

Catherine Ann is survived by her three children Bruce (Tracey), Jeannie (Preston) and John (Jill); six grandchildren Tara (Scott), Tait, Bryn, Bevin, Tess, and Tory; and two great grandchildren, Tucker, and Brooks. She was predeceased by her husband Richard Clifford Disturnal, her brother Elgert, “Ollie” Burton and sisters Joan Milmine and Elsie “Wussie” Brown.

The family will be holding a private memorial gathering at a future date. Condolences, memories, and photos can be shared and viewed here.

The family would like to thank StayWell Manor and Dr. Chan for their kindness and care in the final years of Catherine Ann’s life.

In living memory of Catherine Ann Disturnal, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.