BURNS, Catharine (nee Crack)

 of Guelph, passed away after a short battle
with cancer on Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Guelph.

Cathy was born in Hamilton to Frank and Jean Crack on January 2, 1939. She
went to school in Toronto at Blessed Sacrament, the Abbey, Lawrence Park
Collegiate and graduated from the University of Toronto in 1960. She
married Jack Burns, the love of her life and travelling companion, on
April 23, 1962, (Shakespeare’s Birth). As a busy mother of four, she
worked as a store co-owner and then back as a teacher until her retirement
in 1996. Cathy was a passionate English teacher, who loved literature and
was affectionately called “Granny Grammar” by students and colleagues
alike. Cathy was committed to her community and her church, volunteering
with such groups as the Catholic Women’s League, the Church Parish
Council, Birthright and Unicef Canada and more recently as a tour guide at
the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate. She loved her friends, travelling,
her book and bridge groups, but her family was always the most important
thing to her.

“A woman of strength, a most excellent friend;
A life well lived comes to its end.” Meg Burns

Cathy is preceded in death by Jack Burns and her sister Debbie Malkin.
Cathy is survived by her brother Daniel and by her children: John Burns
(Annette Yaskowich), Beth Burns (Ian Macpherson), Meg Burns (Mark Pali)
and Martha Burns (Graham Purcell). She will be remembered as a loving
Marmee by her nine grandchildren: Burns, Galen, Sam, Pierce, Aaron, Nolen,
Madeline, Katie and JJ.

The last book we read with Mum was Pride and Prejudice.
To quote Elizabeth Bennett. “’You must learn some of my philosophy. Think
only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.’”

Cremation has taken place. Friends may call at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son
Funeral Home, Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin St. N., Guelph, on Thursday,
October 31, 2019 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be
celebrated at the Basilica of Our Lady 28 Norfolk St. Guelph on Friday,
November 1, 2019 at 11 a.m. with the Fr. William T. Burns of Toronto
Diocese, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, at Cathy’s request, the family has asked that
donations be made to Hospice Wellington.

Cathy’s family also wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. C. Mackie
for his support and the entire staff of the Hospice Wellington.