DESBOROUGH, CATHERINE "CATHIE" ANNE (SELKIRK) - 43, Fall River - It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce Cathie’s passing after a yearlong fight with cancer. Cathie leaves behind her husband Mark of 16 years and joy of her life, daughter, Erin. Cathie is survived by her parents, Bruce and Audrey (Newman) Selkirk; Mark’s parents, Rod and Kay (Mills) Desborough; Mark’s brother and sister-in-law, Lane and Lisa Desborough; cousins, Crystal (Newman) McEwan and Troy Newman. Cathie was born in Bellville, Ontario and attended school in Trenton, Borden, Summerside, Greenwood and Ottawa while growing up in a military family. She attended Mount Allison University and graduated in 1994. Cathie devoted her career to helping others. She worked for Big Sisters of Toronto, the YWCA of Toronto, and the Canadian Red Cross. In the many years spent working for the Canadian Red Cross, Cathie helped raise money to aid countless people locally, nationally and internationally. Cathie worked diligently and was devoted to the principals of the Red Cross. Cathie struck an excellent work/life balance, enjoying time with family and friends at cottages in Heather Beach, Pictou, Muskoka and Haliburton. Cathie especially enjoyed family vacations to warmer climes and family beach time at Heather Beach. The most important part of Cathie’s life has been her daughter Erin, born in 2007. Erin filled her with immense love and pride. The past year has been challenging but was made much easier with the constant support of friends and family near and far. Cathie was humbled by the support and love she received while being treated and was especially grateful for being able to reconnect with so many friends. Cathie had amazing support from the medical teams we dealt with all over Nova Scotia. Special thanks to the team at the Nova Scotia Cancer Center and the palliative team at the Victoria General. She could not have received better care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cathie’s memory can be made to the Canadian Red Cross Atlantic Zone (www.redcross.ca/cathie).
Arrangements have been entrusted to MacDiarmid’s Funeral Home, 5075 Main St., Oxford (902-447-2930). Family and friends are invited to visit at the funeral home on Thursday, January 8th, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 10th at 2 p.m. in MacDiarmid’s Funeral Home, with a reception at the Oxford Lions Community Centre after the service. Internment will take place at Hillside Cemetery, Springhill at a later date. Online condolences can be made at www.mmcfunerals.com