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Catherine Helen Hiff (nee Ayerst) Obituary
Catherine made her transition to new life on February 26, 2025, in her 97th year. Cathy as she was affectionately called was born in Toronto, ON to Marie (Selke) and Bertram Ernest Ayerst. Cathy lived a long and full life.
Cathy married Gerald Aloysius Hiff in May of 1952 and celebrated 49 years of marriage. Together they had a family of six children. The family grew to sixteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
To her husband Gerald, she was a partner in every sense of the word. Their bond was unbreakable, built on respect, shared faith, and a love that deepened through their years together.
Cathy’s love and devotion to her family and faith was evident in how she lived each day of her life. Her grandchildren will always remember her birthday cookies, banana bread “shooter’ mini cupcakes, and Christmas Shortbread Cookies. Cathy had a sharp memory and the family always enjoyed listening and learning her many songs and nursery rhymes. “Twas the Night Before Christmas” was an annual part of our Christmas gatherings where Cathy would recite this poem from memory for the entire family. Cathy was quick witted and always came back with a funny one liner that would make everyone laugh. She loved her crossword puzzles and sitting at the card table ready to play euchre with her grandchildren anytime, anywhere.
Cathy’s devotion extended far beyond her family. She was a woman of faith whose Catholicism guided every aspect of her life. She lived with humility, with grace, and with a heart full of love. A sister from the Marian Residence where Catherine lived for many years once said, “Your Mother is a woman of prayer, who deeply loves God.” To her children, she was more than a mother; she was a guide, a teacher, a constant source of support and encouragement. Her faith was not just something she held in her heart, but something she shared.
Cathy is predeceased by her husband Gerald Hiff (2001), daughter Mary Ellen (1962) and granddaughter Jessica Holden (1993). Mother of Gary (Pam) of Waterloo, Brian (Marianne) of Cambridge, Theresa of Edmonton, Patti (Bill) of Ingersoll and Mary Ann (Brad) of Burlington. Lovingly referred to as Nana by her sixteen grandchildren; Ryan, David (Katie), Jon, Mike (Bridget), Stephen (Erin), Rob, Paul (Julia), Tara, Adam, Ashley (Justin), Jeremy, Josh, Jason, Eddie, Andy and her 9 great-grandchildren; Cooper, Christian, Maverick, Bentley, Leighton, Jack, Starla, Oliver, and Louis. Fondly known to her nieces and nephews as Auntie Cath which included a lifelong friendship with her niece Ronnie.
Cathy is predeceased by her brothers, Frank (Freda) Ayerst, Jack (Jean) Ayerst, Babe Ayerst, Eddie Ayerst, Billie Ayerst, sister Margaret Agnew, and sister-in-law, Eileen (Al) Nowicki. A thank you to mom’s very special caregivers: the Sisters of Our Lady Immaculate and staff at Marian Residence, Rachel, and all the nurses, personal caregivers and staff at Alexander Place, Father Francis and the Eucharistic Ministers from St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 715 Centre Rd., Waterdown on Monday, March 3, 2025 starting at 11 a.m. (Livestream available) followed with a reception in the Church Hall. Cremation has taken place. Private interment at a later date.
As expressions of sympathy the family would appreciate donations to her special charity, Marian Residence: Marian Residence Retirement Home, 640 Hillview Rd., Cambridge, ON N3H 5H3 or by e-transfer to billing@marianresidence.ca (Charitable #761120484 RR0001).
Please find the link for livestream under events (Below) and sign the Tribute Wall.
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June 17 1928
February 26 2025
Death notice for the town of: Waterdown, Province: Ontario
death notice Catherine Helen Hiff nee Ayerst June 17 1928
February 26 2025
obituaries notice Catherine Helen Hiff nee Ayerst June 17 1928
February 26 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Catherine Helen Hiff nee Ayerst June 17 1928
February 26 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
