Catherine Ann Mass (nee Stenger)
March 19, 2021
July 1959 – March 2021
It is with aching, heavy hearts and profound sadness to announce the untimely and tragic passing of our beloved Cathy. When she graced the earth on July 10, 1959 in Wpg Mb on a hot summer afternoon, our Dad sat on the front steps that evening and blasted Beethoven’s 5th.
Hanging out with big brother Mike and the neighborhood kids, Cathy was a carefree, whimsical child. She excelled through school years, on the honor roll, in plays, pageants, parties, adventures and some travel with wonderful friends she met and kept. She blossomed into such a wise, beautiful, loving person; a warm, caring, attentive mother; an extremely talented and gifted artist, an avid gardener, writer, and poet; incredibly selfless, always looking to help, welcome, serve, feed, or make comfortable.
She was so intelligent, a deep thinker, a great conversationalist. She earned a degree in Fine Arts on the Dean’s honor list with the U of M. Later she would create the touching installation “The Growing Season” about relationships at the Plugin Gallery. As well as Watershed, a mural on the walls of Merchants Park on Portage Ave, she created a giant sun installation, unbelievably crafted from paper mache for the then new Children’s Museum.
She shared her talents with kids and adults as a workshop coordinator and instructor for the Wpg and Killarney Art Galleries, the Mb Arts Council Artist in the Schools, and after residing in Ninette with young son Jesse in 1994, The Southwest Community Option Centre, where she also was a dedicated and compassionate support worker for individuals with developmental disabilities. She then rose to communication and program manager in her 15 year career there; and accomplished numerous other workshops she composed in life.
Her creativity encompassed her in all the things she did; how she kept her pantry, wrapped a gift, did a painting, photography, print making, pottery, calligraphy, jewellery, hand engraved rock books, all done with excellence to perfection, where the observer was truly awestruck. Her art extended to any medium. She was a fabulous baker, renowned for her wholesome bread & pies, mastering our Mom’s behrook buns, apple breads, woven so intricately that no one wanted to be the first to have some. She loved picking Saskatoon’s and chokecherries from her secret places she and Jesse had discovered in the countryside for syrup, jam or baking for her family.
Cathy was a humble, kind, generous, loving person; a gracious, gentle spirit and strong in her faith.
Left to cherish her memory is son Jesse, his father Jim and his Grandma, big brother Michael (special friend Rebecca), sister and best friend Christine (special bro in law John), nephew Justin, nieces Carly, and Kirstie with great nephew Lorenzo, John’s family, and many, many dear friends including all the way to decades back. She was predeceased by parents Joseph(Pop) and Olga(Bobbie) Stenger, Gigi, all aunts and uncles, cousin Bruce, Taras, Johnny, special long-time friend Alan, and Paula, who always remained in her heart.
Special thank you to all of her local friends who showed Cath friendship, helped her, and loved her too, we thank you. We’d also like to thank everyone for the food, flowers, cards, calls, condolences, it’s all so appreciated.
We had so many treasured get together’s back and forth, here and there, so many laughs.
Cathy will remain forever in our hearts, lovingly remembered, and so sadly missed, her presence ever longed for. Words cannot express our grief.
Rest in peace, Honey, Sweetie, Mom, sister, aunt, great aunt, friend, with love until we meet again.
Cremation has taken place and Cathy’s memorial service will be private and for immediate family members in Wpg. Due to Covid-19, limited guests will only be allowed for both the Winnipeg and Killarney, Mb services. The service will be live streamed for all to be apart of. A celebration of life will be held at a later date where all may attend.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Catherine Ann Mass nee Stenger July 1959 – March 2021..
Voyage Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba