Service:
A celebration of Catharine's life will be held on Saturday,
August 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a time of sharing
at 1 p.m., at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley
Avenue, Blenheim.
In Loving Memory of Catharine “Cathy” Rose Burk Van Breda
June 8, 1941 – July 30, 2026
With heavy hearts, we announced the passing of our mom, Catharine Rose Burk Van Breda of Chatham, with family and friends by her side at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance on July 30, 2026.
Mom had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel loved, welcomed and important. She never asked for recognition or praise – she simply gave of herself; quietly and wholeheartedly, every single day. Her greatest joy was making sure that everyone around her felt comfortable, supported and never alone. No matter the circumstance she always had a listening ear, a warm hug, and a comforting smile. To us, she was so much more than a mother. She was our safe place, our greatest supporter, our teacher, and our constant source of love and strength. She showed us through her actions what it meant to live with compassion, humility and grace. The lessons she taught us, the traditions she created and the unconditional love she gave us so freely will remain with us always. The loss of Mom leaves an emptiness that words cannot fully express, but we find comfort in knowing that her love continues to surround us. We will miss her every day – her gentle laugh, her caring heart, her quiet wisdom and the way she made each of us feel like we mattered most. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in our hearts, in our memories and in the love we share because of her. She will be forever loved, deeply missed and never forgotten.
Catharine is lovingly remembered by her daughters; Carrie Bissonette (Rick), Lorrie Vandersluis (Tim), and Shellie Sawyer (Terry). Grandmother to Nathan Trudell (Melanie), Rowan and Ayden Bourdeau, and a great-grandmother to Nolan, Madison and Griffin Trudell.
She is also survived by her siblings Tom Burke, (Kathy), Freda Montague, Glen Burk (Sandy) and Susan Hind (Terry), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Catharine also leaves behind her lifelong friends, Sharon Pepper (Toller) and John McGregor.
Catharine was predeceased by her beloved husband William “Bill” Van Breda, her sister Carol Schade (Jack), sister-in-law Connie Burk, brother-in-law Blaine Montague, her dear friends Sue Legue and Mary Van Waes and her faithful feline companion Missy.
Our family is deeply grateful for the love, kindness, and compassionate care Mom received during her final years at Levante Resort. The special friendships she shared with Lorraine, Brittany, Sebastian, Autumn and Tiffany brought her comfort and happiness and a true sense of belonging. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
A celebration of Catharine’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a time of sharing at 1 p.m., at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 53 Stanley Avenue, Blenheim.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Cathy’s memory may be made to PAWR- Pet and Wildlife Rescue by calling the funeral home or using this link. https://pawr.org/.
