October 4, 1955 - November 6, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Catherine "Cathy" Mary Cross (née Reynolds), aged 68, who passed away in Vancouver, BC, surrounded by family, from an unexpected brain aneurysm, on November 6th, 2023. Predeceased by her parents, Robert and Darleen Reynolds, Cathy is survived by her husband Rick, daughters Melissa and Robyn, grandson Brennen, and siblings Robert, Teresa (Don), Maureen (Pat), and many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.
Cathy was born in Port Alberni on October 4th, 1955 and spent most of her life in the Alberni Valley. Cathy had a passion for helping others. From fundraisers to after-school programs to running tiičmis (the Wellness Centre), Cathy touched the lives of many people in this valley and beyond. She could often be found asking: "How can I help?"
All through her daughters' school years, Cathy was a member of the PAC and always said that she would be a "juice and cookies mom until the end." Cathy started working as the Community School Coordinator in the late '90s and loved the work that she did. She stayed with the Community School through its moves from Redford School to Alberni Elementary School, to its current home at ADSS.
In her 25+ years of coordinating Alberni Valley Community School, Cathy raised nearly $1 million that went to the programs that helped those in the Valley.
A very special thanks goes out to the nurses and doctors at Vancouver General Hospital's ICU unit and to Transplant BC, all of whom compassionately helped Cathy and her family through her last days and through the organ donation process.
A celebration of life will be held in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Transplant BC.