Catherine Bundgaard (née Corcoran) R.N.

Passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in her 95th year.  Beloved by her late husband Kell (d 2017) for nearly 60 years.  Predeceased by her parents Daniel and Johanna (née Sexton) Corcoran of Co. Cork, Ireland.  Predeceased also by her sisters Maureen (David), Joan (Daniel), and Margaret (Timothy), by her brothers Michael (Marie) and Coleman (Eilish, her dear and only surviving sibling-in-law), and by her nephew Michael and niece Patricia.  Survived by her loving sons Paul (Raquel) and Eric (Anne-Marie), and devoted grandchildren Rowan (Amanda), Miranda (Patrick, affianced), James, Daniel, and Alexander.  Dearly missed by her many nieces and nephews living in Canada, Ireland, and England, and by her many special friends in Canada, Wisconsin and beyond, notably, for a relationship going back decades, the Harvey clan and her co-mother-in-law Diana Bergougnou.

Catherine left her native Ireland in her late teens to pursue nursing studies at Lambton Hospital, in London, England.  She thrived in that challenge and soon entered the practice of professional nursing both as a Registered Nurse and as a certified Midwife. Working first as a staff nurse in the obstetrics and gynecology department at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, England, and later in nearby Epsom District Hospital, she helped deliver and care for countless newborns with assiduous attention and compassion, among them, she claimed, Baroness Margaret Thatcher’s twins.

A curious spirit at heart, Catherine sought new experiences by emigrating to London, Ontario in 1956 to assume a nursing position in the operating theatre at Victoria Hospital. Her plans for further adventure, intending to leave London for the Yukon as an ‘army nurse’ before returning to England, were happily thwarted when she met the love of her life, Kell, whom she wed in 1958.  Together, they raised and fostered a loving family.

Catherine continued in her nursing career for over forty years, with varied experiences in obstetrics and gynecology, midwifery, surgical and acute care, private duty nursing, and lastly in geriatric nursing care for several years as charge nurse.  She was marked by all who knew her professionally by her diligence, compassion, dedication, and tireless energy directed toward the needs, comfort, and well-being of her charges.  Her thirst for knowledge never ceased, as she was known to relish pouring through medical and nursing journals throughout her career, and even in retirement, to stay abreast of evolving standards and practices.

At home, Catherine enjoyed tending to her lawn and gardens, and keeping a house where dust was afraid to land.

Her true joy, however, lay in her family.  She revelled in nurturing them, sharing her time with them, and proudly rejoicing in their experiences and successes.  To the end, she took interest in all that her family was doing, and especially in the lives opening up for her grandchildren as they grew and matured.

After decades of happy marriage, Catherine mourned the passing in 2017 of Kell, whom she cherished. She never truly recovered from his loss but sought solace and comfort in the loving embrace of her family, and in her Catholic faith.

She took pride in being the oldest member of St. George’s Catholic Women’s League, and greatly appreciated the League’s support and prayers as her health declined.

With regard to her final years, and especially the past few months, the family extends its thanks and appreciation to all who helped Catherine – her physicians (Drs. Barr, Goosheh, Chandy, Hamilton, Driver and Stack) and their staff, the staff of Cheshire homes of London and of At Your Service for Seniors, Father John Pirt and his associates and pastoral team at St. George’s Catholic Church, the St. George CWL, and too many others to name but who have the family’s heartfelt gratitude.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 at St. George Parish Church, 1174 Commissioners Road West, London, Ontario commencing at 10:30 a.m., followed directly by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m.  A light luncheon will follow the Mass.

At Catherine’s request, please pray for the repose of her soul and consider making, as a possible alternative to flowers, a donation in her memory to the Sisters of the Precious Blood, of London, Ontario.

This on-line obituary draws heavily from an obituary Catherine had sketched out, some months before her passing.  This ‘final word’ is in large measure hers.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis. (May her faithful soul rest in peace)