It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Catherine Ann Phillips at Hospice Wellington on February 2, 2019 from cancer. Catherine was born in Sarnia, Ontario in 1961, and raised in Brights Grove near the beaches and blue water of Lake Huron. Predeceased by her father, Allan Phillips, Catherine is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) Jaworski, her beloved children, Jill and Michael Jaworski, mother, Martha Phillips, brother, Colin Phillips (Mandey Moote), and sister, Jocelyn Phillips.
Catherine had many fond memories of a childhood swimming in the lake and of having chips under the bridge at Point Edward. Catherine was a lifelong musician and piano teacher. She graduated from St. Clair High School in Sarnia, as well as from The University of Western Ontario’s Faculty of Music with a Bachelor of Musical Arts (Music Education) in 1984, with a major in piano. Catherine worked for seven years in Human Resources at Ontario Hydro in Toronto before moving to Guelph in 1993 with Bob to raise their family. Catherine was an adoring and devoted mother to Jill and Michael, and a wonderful, loving wife to Bob for over twenty-eight years. Catherine and Bob were best friends to each other for even more.
Catherine taught piano lessons for many years from our home and more recently at Long & McQuade’s Music Lesson Centre in Cambridge, Ontario. She was especially proud of her many students who excelled on Royal Conservatory exams, and teaching her own children to play and appreciate music. Catherine particularly enjoyed cooking, gardening, art and design, working with stained glass, fitness classes at the Guelph Y and the laughter in our home at the end of each day. She was happiest at home and was a good friend to many of her neighbours, many of whom kindly reached out to help in difficult days.
We extend our gratitude to the people who cared for Catherine at Guelph General Hospital, Waterloo Regional Cancer Centre and Hospice Wellington. We owe further thanks to Bayshore HealthCare’s entire in home nursing team, but especially to Susan, Kelly, Sandra and Laura for their kindness.
A Celebration of Catherine’s Life will be held in Guelph in the future. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Wellington.
Catherine, we love you and miss your smile so very much. Our circle is a little smaller now, but we promise that one day it will grow again with our beautiful memories of you. Love never leaves.
If desired, memories and condolences may be sent to our family c/o [email protected].
A tree will be planted in memory of Catherine A. Phillips in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum. Dedication service, Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 2:30 pm.