Catherine "Cathy" (Swift) Pearce

Cathy passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 6, 2021 at the age of 92.  She is survived by her children:  Linda, Susan (Richard), Valerie (Pat), Lori (Dan), David, Kathy (Ken), Diane (Randy) and Janet (Cory); 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and one great great grandson.  Also survived by brother James Swift and sister Margaret Swift.  She was pre-deceased by her loving husband Bill Pearce, with whom she shared 68 years of marriage.  Also pre-deceased by her brothers John and Tom, sister-in-law Gertie, daughter Annette, sons-in-law Ted and Dave and her great granddaughter, Jaime.

Cathy was born in Liverpool, England where she lived until her marriage to Bill in November 1948.  They immigrated to Canada shortly after with Bill serving with the RCAF.  As a result, they enjoyed postings to several locations in Canada as well as overseas in England and France, with the final one in 1972 to Vancouver Island after his retirement (Nanaimo and Parksville).

Cathy had many interests including gardening, knitting, dancing (Ballroom, square and round), and volunteering.  She spent many years helping with the Canadian Red Cross Blood Donor clinics, the Ladies Auxiliary at the Royal Canadian Legion Branches #49 and #256, and helping run the Tuck Shop at the Trillium Lodge in Parksville.  She was also a member of the Catholic Women’s League.  Over the years, Cathy enjoyed travelling to California, Hawaii, England and many cruises.  Her most favourite activity was to head to the beach for a stroll or sit on a bench.  

She will be dearly missed 

A Memorial Mass (by invitation only due to Covid restrictions) will be held on June 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, 887 Wembley Road in Parksville.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.