Monks, Catherine Grace
(nee: Grieder)
Denman Island, BC
Born October 22, 1934
Bristol, England
Died August 16, 2005
Comox, BC
Predeceased by her parents Jacob & Catherine Grieder and grandson Tommy Busst. Survived by loving husband, John W. Monks; six children: Sandra (Walter) Moses, Sherry (Ray) Morgan, Jacqueline Jestin (Greg Francour), John Monks, Anna (Brent) Featherstone, Heather Monks (Steve Overton); twelve grandchildren: Doug Busst, Rod and Becca Morgan, Amber Monks, Chelsey Fedato, Brittney and Ashley Jestin, Clay and Darrell Featherstone, Patrick, Adrien and Julien Pesant; one great-grandchild: Tyren Featherstone; two sisters: Anna Berry, Carole (Gerry) Platz; three brothers: Norman (Karen) Grieder, Arthur (Kathleen) Grieder, George (Debbie) Grieder; in-laws: Joan Brown, Bob (Joan ) Monks, Doug (Kathy) Monks; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and friends.
Catherine Grace Monks was born in Bristol, England on October 22, 1934 and immigrated to Canada when she was three years old. She lived in Port Alberni until her parents moved to Qualicum and then on to Denman Island when she was twelve. She was the oldest of six children. Catherine married and spent over 50 years with her husband John and had six children. They were both avid travelers and spent much of their free time exploring Canada and the States.
Catherine was an extremely vibrant, intelligent, vital, loving wife, mother, Baba, mother-in-law, daughter, sister, sister-in-law and friend. Her family and friends were her life and her family was large and always growing. She was forever “adopting” extra kids, grandkids and sisters and always, “their more the merrier”. Catherine was always at her happiest when surrounded with family and friends (and many of her friends are considered family). Even at work, Catherine was an outgoing, loving, giving person to all she encountered, as she worked as a telephone operator for most of her working years. She made numerous friends and acquaintances across the country and probably overseas as well, as a result of her sparkling personality. Catherine as always there for anyone needing a helping hand, an encouraging word or two, food in the belly or a clean bed, or just a good old fashioned hug. She loved all types of music, dancing was a passion, and she was an avid reader, always interested in broadening her mind.
While living in Cold Lake, Alberta, Catherine volunteered as a guide leader for several exuberant adoring young girls, and had a blast doing it, as well as chaperoning at the teen centre for dances and movie nights. Catherine volunteered much of her free time when she and John lived in Chilliwack, to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Blood Services, the Cancer Drive, and the Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store and their Christmas Hamper deliveries. She also had a number of elderly neighbours that she regularly visited to help assist with their living challenges and to brighten their days with a visit. She took care of contacting family when they died in their homes, with no expectations whatsoever.
Catherine was a fearless and brave woman, who always had the gift of giving. She fought a long hard battle to retain her health and to remain with her family. She took care of us all to the very end, never complaining and never afraid. Catherine’s final gift was a donation of her corneas for transplanting to give someone else their sight. We are so pleased to know that she will still be keeping an eye out on the world. We will all miss her to the extreme.
Friends and family are invited to participate in a potluck gathering to Celebrate Catherine’s life to be held at the Courtenay Fish & Game facility at Comox Lake on Comox Lake Road, Courtenay at 3:00 P.M. on August 27, 2005. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the St. Joseph’s General Foundation Pallative Care Unit.