Emmy Catoen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Oma, and devoted wife, at the age of 93.

Born and raised in Holland, she married the love of her life, Peter, and together they began a wonderful life filled with family, adventure, friendship, and love. They later made Toronto, Canada, their home, where they raised their two children, Bruce and Marsha. Her caring nature led her to a career in nursing in Holland and Canada where she made lifelong friends.

Family was always at the heart of her life. She was a loving and proud Oma to Ryan (Saloni), Mitchell (Alessa), Megan, David, and Cameron. She treasured time spent with her family and took great joy in watching each generation grow.

She was rarely without something to keep her mind or hands busy. Whether playing bridge with friends,  doing needlepoint, sewing, making a craft, tending to her immaculate gardens, walking, swimming, cooking or taking care of her husband. Many of her creations found their way to the Dutch Bazaar, an event that brought together her creativity and her connection to her Dutch heritage. She loved cats, especially Ming and Tippy her Siamese mother and daughter.

She loved the Ontario north and her cottages on Georgian Bay and especially Rankin Lake. It was her paradise and she got to instill that love of the north to her children, spouses and grandchildren.

Her family will fondly remember the wonderful foods and traditions she shared with them—her pancakes, squash casserole, apple tart, and, of course, her love of Dutch treats. These simple pleasures became part of the fabric of family life and will bring smiles and memories for years to come.

Peter was her constant companion. Together they enjoyed many happy winters as snowbirds in Florida and shared a love of travelling, exploring destinations around the world side by side. Wherever their travels took them, home was always wherever they were together.

She lived a long and full life, rich in family, friends, traditions, creativity, travel, and the everyday moments that become our most treasured memories.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by Peter, Bruce and Shelley, Marsha and Steve, Ryan and Saloni, Mitchell and Alessa, Megan, David, Cameron, and all those whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southlake Health Foundation in memory of Emmy.

Memories and messages of condolence may be left below.