Obituary
Catherine Jeanette Van Sickle (née Laubman), 79, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2021 surrounded by the love and support of her family in the High River Hospital in Alberta. She was born in Macklin, Saskatchewan to the late Edward and Lillian Laubman. Cathy obtained her Education degree at University of British Columbia. Cathy was a born traveller and adventurer and sought new experiences and a teaching opportunity in Toronto. There she met her late husband, Jon Van Sickle. Together they pursued their shared passion for travel and spent many years travelling the globe- by boat, van, bus, train. They were up for most any adventure!
Cathy was uniquely suited for her adventurous life of travel. She was ever curious, warm and sincere to all she met. Jon and Cathy purchased a VW van in Germany and enjoyed a year travelling across Europe. Cathy‘s dedication to minimalism and her ability to pack lightly always served her very well. Cathy was a reflective person who journaled extensively as she travelled. Her family read her entries from her travel journals while she was in hospital; and these were happy and meaningful times together. She wrote often about the people she met along the way. In Central America she delighted in welcoming local people into her van. People were intrigued about how to cook, sleep, wash in such a small place! The camping toilet was always the most intriguing! Cathy delighted in many winters in the van, in Mexico and Costa Rica, with family and friends. Traveling and teaching in China for several years was a great success.
Cathy was an avid reader. She played the piano in her family’s dance band and was a volunteer pianist for many events across the years. She and Jon loved jazz music and Cathy attended every music festival she could. Cathy loved dogs and they loved her. She talked to every dog she met! And she spent many months each year caring for dogs while owners travelled. She greatly enjoyed walking ‘her’ dogs for long distances everyday. Covid changed much of that and Cathy missed her friends, dogs, and activity very much.
Cathy will be lovingly remembered by her family, cousins and friends. She is survived by her brother Tom Laubman and his wife Karen Martin. Cathy had many nieces and grand nieces and nephews who were also important in her life. Niece-Shauna Laubman and daughters Janae and Dannica Ruff. Niece-Andrea Laubman and family Jason Dick, Joelle and Evan Dick. Niece-Ashley King, and family Aaron King, Amber and Tommy King. Andrea Malekos and family Matt Rimmer, Luca and Issac Rimmer. Jody Neuls and family Tim Neuls, Quintin, Lucia and Nate Neuls. Greg and Pam Malekos and sons Dan and Jackson Malekos.
Our family is so grateful to all those that loved and supported Cathy during her vibrant life and through her recent heart surgery and valiant efforts for a recovery that was not to be. Her legacy is one of love, courage and adventure, appreciation of experiences -not things- and finding ‘delight’ everywhere she looked!
Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes, Okotoks 403-938-3111 To email condolences please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Catherine Jeanette Van Sickle April 7 1942
November 29 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Okotoks, Province: Alberta
death notice Catherine Jeanette Van Sickle April 7 1942
November 29 2021
mortuary notice Catherine Jeanette Van Sickle April 7 1942
November 29 2021
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