Gehlen, Catherine Margaret
June 5, 1928 - July 31, 2010
Catherine's valiant struggle came to a close at Pioneer Lodge in Moose Jaw. Born south of Prince Albert June 5, 1928, Catherine spent her childhood in Shaunavon, Sk. Following her graduation from Shaunavon High School in 1947, Catherine came to Moose Jaw where she became a graduate of the Providence Hospital School of Nursing in 1950. Catherine's passion for her profession led her to attend the University of Toronto in 1953/54 where she obtained a certificate in "Teaching and Supervision in Nursing". This allowed her to guide, mentor, and share her professionalism and love of nursing with a great many students and colleagues in Toronto, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Vancouver. Settling in Moose Jaw in 1964, Catherine returned to the Providence Hospital, where she enjoyed a long career in several different departments, retiring as the Nursing Supervisor on the surgical ward in 1993. True to her commitment to the care of others, Catherine became the full time, permanent guardian of her young niece and nephew in 1970. As a "single parent", Catherine spent many years attending various school functions as well as warming the benches at swimming pools, dance studios, hockey rinks and baseball fields. Catherine took pride in her children's accomplishments and always encouraged them to do their best. Following her retirement, Catherine enjoyed her dogs, reading, walking in Wakamow and doing crossword puzzles, but found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren. Catherine was a willing playmate, a patient teacher, and a sympathetic listener to her grandchildren and her love and investment in their well-being was clearly evident. Each grandchild enjoyed a special relationship with their Grandma that will be forever treasured. In 2008, Catherine was delighted to begin welcoming her Great- Grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents Francis and Mary Gehlen as well as brothers Lloyd, Phil, Joe, Victor (Bud), and James, Catherine leaves to mourn her passing, her son Darrin (Lana) Gehlen and cherished grandchildren Mariah and Mikayla of Airdrie, Alberta, her daughter Heather Patterson and beloved grandchildren Ashlie (Dale) Beutler, Cassandra, Samantha, William and Kiarra as well as precious great granddaughter, Natalie Beutler. Catherine will be missed by her siblings, Anna and George Stevenson, Nick and Jean Gehlen, Delores and Henry Ziefflie, and Leo Gehlen as well as sisters in law Dolly and Bertha and many nieces and nephews. Catherine's family wishes to thank Dr. VanHeerden and Dr. Dakota for their vigilant care. We would also like to express our gratitude to mom's caring friends and the staff of Crescent Park Villa, Chez Nous, Providence Place, and Pioneer Lodge for their patience and kindness through Mom's difficult illness. At Catherine requested, there will be no funeral service. Internment will take place in Shaunavon at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to The Saskatchewan Lung Association, 1231 8th St. E., Sasktatoon, SK, S7K 2H8 In living memory of Catherine, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).
Dayna Smith-Short - Funeral Director