Catherine Virginia Irene Becke

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces that Catherine Virginia Irene Becke passed away peacefully at University Hospital on October 11, 2026.

Born on December 5, 1947, to Thelma and John “Hamie” MacDonald, Cathi grew up in Belleville, Ontario, with her parents and elder brother Larry. She was an accomplished figure skater, academically inclined, proudly skipping a grade to start high school at 12, and an incredible friend. After graduating, Cathi attended Brescia in London, Ontario, where she met her husband and best friend David. The two would return to London later in life, where they shared a home full of love and laughter.

Cathi achieved many things in her lifetime, but was most proud of her achievements as a wife, mother, Nana, and Yaya. She firmly believed in the importance of family and lived every day demonstrating that.

Cathi was a skilled seamstress, sewing countless costumes, outfits, and scarves for the people in her life. She enjoyed “treasure hunting” for Royal Daltons, volunteering at McGarrell Place, going for long drives in the countryside with her husband, listening to music, and sharing a cup of warm tea with milk and sugar.

An animal lover by nature, Cathi was rarely seen without a pet, often sharing their company while watching TV.

Some of her fondest memories were of travelling with her husband and family. Trips to Boston, Chicago, New Orleans, and Florida, to name a few, held a special place in her heart, even as her memory began to fade.

Cathi was a bright light in her family. She will be remembered by her soulmate, David; her children, John-David, Stephanie, and Melissa; her grandchildren, Desiree and Kihanna; her great-grandchildren, James and Brody; and a large extended family she loved dearly. However, the true testament to Cathi’s character is that countless children who wore the costumes she made, family friends she welcomed into her home, and neighbours who became family will remember her and deeply miss her.

Cathi will be met in the afterlife by her loving parents, her big brother, and her soul pets Karma and Razzy, whom she loved dearly.

If you wish to honour her memory, do so with joy and laughter. Volunteer at your local animal shelter, donate your clothes to a high school theatre production, plant a tree, or share a cup of tea with your neighbours and family.

A service will be held in the spring of 2027. Details to follow.