Cathy Kennedy

Cathy (Catherine) Margaret Kennedy

Jan 27, 1961 – Jun 22, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cathy (Catherine) Margaret Kennedy, a devoted wife, adventurous grandmother, loving sister, proud aunt, and true friend. On Saturday June 22, 2024, at 3:45am, Cathy (age 63) peacefully drew her last breath. By her side her beloved husband Joe (Joseph) Kennedy, dedicated sister Sharon, cherished nieces Christine and Victoria, and her devoted friend Heather – she is forever in our memories, forever in our hearts.

Cathy was diagnosed with a rare lung disease in 2020 (Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis), however symptoms were under control and being managed. In April of this year, she was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of Cancer (Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma - a type of blood cancer presenting as tumors in the pancreas). Cathy underwent two rounds of aggressive chemotherapy. Both tumours responded well to treatment however her lungs were not strong enough to withstand her compromised immunity.

Hospitalized at Brampton Civic Hospital 13 days prior to her passing, Cathy spent her final day surrounded by those family members and friends that she held most dear. She truly had a “Great Day” and seemed to take joy and comfort from the presence of those who loved her most. Cathy was in no way ready to surrender to her illness. Despite her poor health, she somehow managed to hold a smile and make others laugh, she exchanged sarcastic comments and salty gestures, and told lots of “Cathy Stories”. She will always be remembered as someone with a heart of gold who was sincere, high-spirited, and outspoken. Although she could be crass from time to time, she carried herself with a smile and great attitude towards life. Her thoughtfulness, and sense of humor touched the hearts of so many. Cathy was a magnetic woman who made this world a better place – especially for her husband Joe.

Cathy loved Joe! She met him at a dance hosted by her mother (Marg) who was President of a social group named “Parents Without Partners”. 15 years his junior, not yet a parent and having never been a partner, she was not at all the woman he’d expected to find. Being the hot little firecracker that she was, she quickly warmed his heart. They were married on October 24, 1992 – the day the Toronto Blue Jays became the first team based outside the United States to win a World Series. Cathy has been Joe’s constant companion, best friend, and compass in life - she was his North, his South, his East, and West. Cathy is and always will be totally irreplaceable.

Cathy loved children! She exuded a playful nature full of kindness and compassion and was always looking for ways to have fun and laugh. She took great pleasure in spending time with Joe’s grandchildren (Ryan and Cassondra) and loved them as if they were her own. Cathy was every child’s best advocate always lending a friendly ear and making her their beacon of hope. Having no children of her own, Cathy filled the void by forming mother-like bonds with her favoured niece Victoria and nephew Nicholas. To Victoria she was her rock, her best friend and personal cheerleader. To Nicholas she was his confidant, companion, and biggest supporter. And to me (Christine) her niece, best friend, and travel buddy – simply put she was my everything. 

Cathy loved to travel! She had an insatiable need to explore and took every opportunity to visit a multitude of destinations including the Bahamas with her husband Joe, Disney with her sister Sharon and niece Victoria, Florida with Joe’s daughter Lee-Anne and husband David, Hawaii with her friends Heather and Dan, and often Mexico with her niece Christine, husband Leonard, nephews Zachary and Nicholas. When she wasn’t off on an adventure, she worked for Canada Post for more than 25 years before retiring several years ago. 

Cathy is survived and cherished by her loving husband Joseph Kennedy, his daughters Lee-Anne (David), Dawn (Jerry), their grandchildren Ryan and Cassondra (who lovingly referred to her as “Aunt Cathy”), her sister Sharon, nieces Christine (Leonard) and Victoria, nephews Cory,Shawn, Zachary and Nicholas, and brothers Roger and Kenny. Cathy was predeceased by her parents Auley and Margaret Morrison (Newton), and her brother Brian. 

Visitation will be held on Friday June 28 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm/7:00pm to 9:00pm at Ward Funeral Home (52 Main Street South, Brampton). A Celebration of Life (Wake) will be held on Saturday June 29 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the home of her closest friends, Heather and Dan (75 Secret Garden Court, Kleinberg). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sick Kids Foundation.