Catherine Mary Bleay

After a courageous battle with ALS, Catherine Mary Bleay (nee Fiske) age 63, passed away late November 23, 2019.

Cathy was born in Edmonton, AB, the third child of Alfred and Janet Fiske, the younger sister to Marjorie Silver (Wayne) and John Fiske (Christine).  As a daughter in a military family, Cathy traveled throughout Canada living in ON, AB and BC.  She met her husband Barry Bleay while attending Widdifield Secondary School in North Bay, ON. Cathy’s family soon became neighbours and close friends with the Bleay family; Harold and Bernice, Gloria (Kevin), Jamie (Carey), Connie, Lorie (Charlene).

Cathy and Barry moved to BC to attend University of Victoria, then made their way to Fort McMurray, AB in 1976. They were married in 1977 in Edmonton, AB and welcomed their first two children Sabrina and David (Megan) soon after.

Cathy’s aptitude for helping others was reflected in her roles at the YMCA, which led to her transfer to the Calgary YMCA in 1994.  Here, Cathy and Barry had their two youngest children Claire (Ryan) and Stuart (Jess).  Although she had various careers, she discovered a new-found passion for kitchen and bath design.

In 2015, Cathy and Barry decided to return to Vancouver Island.  Cathy continued with kitchen and bath design and enjoyed her painting, golfing, and horseback riding. Most importantly, Cathy loved spending time with her family and friends including her grandchildren Kabe, Quinn and Mathew; her nieces Christa (Ned, Oliver, Melanie), Carly and Kaitlyn and nephews Shawn, Michael, Keir (Charlotte, Bronwyn, Gwendolyn), Derek and Sam (Holly).

Over the years, Cathy and family traveled to many destinations including the UK where she reconnected proudly with her Scottish heritage. Cathy is fondly remembered for being a competitive and strong woman, active in many sports and would not settle for second best.  She was always the family’s biggest fan and had trouble sitting still during intense sporting events. She inspired her family with her love for horses, sports, art, cooking, baking, and music. Cathy will always be remembered for her amazing smile that lit up her whole face.

Cathy’s service will be held on Friday, November 29, at 1:00pm at Yates Memorial Services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the ALS Society of BC https://www.alsbc.ca/donate/

Lives Cherished and Celebrated