Obituary of Catherine Grace "Cathy" Gilbertson

Catherine Grace Gilbertson Catherine Grace Gilbertson was born to Charles and Betty Finkle on April 1, 1960, sharing her birthday with her cousin Rodney Strasky. Her mother Betty recalls that Catherine was a very pretty baby with long legs; the attending nurse even remarked that "This one will be a long distance runner!" Even as a baby, Catherine was delighted by all things colourful and beautiful. The eldest of the Finkle's seven children, Catherine grew up in a large family. One of her favourite family traditions was the Sunday trips to Farmington to visit the farm of her grandparents, Tomas and Etela Magusin. There she delighted in the vibrant landscape that teemed with life; she caught (and named) tadpoles, picked flowers, chased rabbits, and even helped her Grandfather deal with the pesky weasels that hunted the farm's chickens. As a reward for her assistance, he would give Catherine their pelts, which she then fashioned into ermine coats for her Barbie dolls. Lucky Barbie! Raised in Dawson Creek, Catherine attended school at Tremblay Elementary, Notre Dame, Central Middle School, and South Peace Secondary. Though she was a good student, she was more motivated by her creativity. She designed posters for school dances and picked up sewing in Home Ed. From there, Catherine became an adept seamstress. With the ability to think three-dimensionally and an eye for fashion, she could visualize exactly what she wanted to make and then adapt sewing patterns to suit her needs. Her sister Rosemary has vivid memories of all the beautiful suits and dresses Catherine made for herself and her siblings. In 1976, Catherine met Kevin at a house party. Though their friends planned for them to meet, Kevin made his accidental introduction when he spilled chip dip all over Catherine's foot. Taken by his electric blue eyes and long blond hair, she quickly forgave him and they soon started dating. Kevin was just as smitten, even allowing her to dress him in the wildest fashions from Web's Mens Wear, where she worked. They were engaged in 1979 and married in 1980, eager to start their lives together. Their efforts to start their family were troubled when she was told she may never have children. However, Catherine and Kevin eventually got their miracle: a "brave little jellybean" that would eventually become their first child, a son named Karyl Blaine. Two years later, they would welcome their daughter Jaclyn Arland, and their family was complete. Her children inherited their father's blond hair and knack for making trouble, as well as Catherine's passion for creativity. With her guidance and support, both became accomplished artists. She taught them to value ingenuity over conformity, even if it got them in trouble. When it did, she would just tell them "don't get caught again." And if they were ever truly bad, that stand-out blond hair would allow her to pretend they weren't hers, at least for a little while. As her children began to grow up, Catherine returned to school. She obtained her Bachelor of Social work, and eventually joined the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Her work was very important to her, and she prided herself on her strong relationships with her foster families. When she wasn't working, she was involved in the community and her church. Catherine was a founding member of the Peace Energy Cooperative, the first renewable energy cooperative in Canada, and helped in developing the vision for the Bear Mountain Wind Park. And, together with her close friend Lana Wilfur, she fought to keep Grace Lutheran Church inclusive and open to all. Catherine was happy to put her creative skills to work for her family and friends. No project was too big for her; she enjoyed a challenge and she always had a plan (or five). Her usual refrain was "Plan for the worst, hope for the best," though she was an expert cook baker, seamstress, and decorator, things usually turned out for the best. She designed her daughter Jaclyn's prom dress based on a vintage fashion illustration. And for son Karyl's wedding in 2008, she helped his fianc Jenna with the decorating, creating all the table runners and centerpieces for the reception. All that talent and desire to help earned her the nickname "Mini-Martha" (after Martha Stewart) from her sister Carol. Jack, Catherine's first grandchild, arrived in 2012. Little Jack had some health troubles in the beginning, but Catherine helped wherever she could. Every night around 9pm, she would head over to their house and rock Jack so that his exhausted parents could sleep. As with her own children before, she lovingly encouraged Jack's adventurous curiosity. Together they baked cookies and explored the backyard; Grandma Catherine even buried real bones (carefully sterilized) in the dirt so Jack could play paleontologist. Putting her creativity to work, Catherine made Jack a custom Super Mario quilt for his birth and a Paw Patrol vest for his fourth birthday. Life was good for Catherine and her family. In November 2015, Catherine was diagnosed with cancer. Though she fought bravely, it was a battle that could not be won. On August 4, 2016, surrounded by family, Catherine was called to God at 56 years of age. Her spirit will live on forever. Catherine was predeceased by her father Charles Finkle, grandparents Tomas and Etela Magusin, father-in-law Russell Gilbertson and mother-in-law Helen Gilbertson. Catherine is lovingly remembered by her husband Kevin, son Karyl (Jenna), grandson Jack, daughter Jaclyn (Adrian), mother Betty Finkle, sibling Rosemary (Frazer), Mike (Pat), Pauline (Marlin), Mark, Carol (Ed), Josette (Kevin) and numerous nieces , nephews, in-laws, and cousins. Gone but never forgotten. Service 1:00 pm Wednesday, August 10, 2016 Grace Lutheran Church 11101-17th Street DAWSON CREEK, British Columbia, Canada V1G 4Z3 Interment Brookside Cemetery 108 ave DAWSON CREEK, British Columbia, Canada