Obituary of Catherine Rita Cloutier

Catherine  (Cathy) Cloutier

July 11, 1948 – January 16, 2024

Our beautiful sister Cathy sadly passed away after so many years of so bravely living with Alzheimers.  We were indeed blessed being part of her family and circle of friends. Being in Cathy’s presence was like being embraced by a bright ray of sunshine and kindness.  Cathy always made time to bring so much love, care, generosity and joy to her cherished parents, family members and close friends. She was a very dedicated elementary school teacher (Separate School Board) and sports coach who made learning, sports and life so much fun. If there was fun around, Cathy was the first to join in.  She enjoyed travelling, sports, concerts, live theatre, gardening, fine dining, cooking and weekend getaways.  Her many years of volunteer work at Holy Family Retreat House in Oxley was a testament to her faith and generous spirit.

We all adored Cathy, who touched our lives and hearts so deeply. Her larger-than-life bright smile, personality and unbound kindness will be dearly missed, but will forever be an inspiration to us all.

We are deeply thankful to the exceptional staff at Seasons Royal Oak Village in LaSalle and their Memory Care professionals, all who cared for Cathy with plenty of love, fun, kindness and encouragement.  They so kindly created great opportunities for her to live with incredible purpose, passion and joy for several years.  Special thanks to the fun loving independent PSW Cheryl Fielding who added such meaningful friendship, care and fun to Cathy’s life. Much appreciation also to the staff from St. Elizabeth and Amy’s Helping Hands, all who spent countless hours enhancing Cathy’s life throughout two decades and many stages of Alzheimers.  We are so grateful for the outstanding and loving care from the staff in the Colchester Neighbourhood at Villages of St. Clair provided to Cathy.  Much thanks to the very special LaSalle Neighbourhood staff for their expertise and tender loving care during Cathy’s final years at the Village of Aspen Lake. Our thanks to the countless Onsite professionals who showered her with their many monthly services, all with big smiles and such warmth.  The staff and excellent customer care at Motions was also much appreciated.  Thank you to her loving and adored private music therapist, the late Jeff Chamberlain (2023) who kept music so alive in her heart.  We are grateful for the guidance from Dr. Jennie Wells, Division of Geriatrics, University of Western Ontario, who guided the family through Cathy’s Alzheimer journey for so many years.  A sincere thank you also to the Alzheimer Society of Windsor whose education classes and staff tremendously aided the family in greatly enhancing Cathy’s life with their generous assistance and expert guidance.

Cathy was predeceased by her cherished parents (Emmanuel) Joseph (1989) and Dora (2001) Cloutier (nee Boudreau) and her dear sisters Denise Brode (2021) and Jo-Anne Brumwell (2023).  Cathy is survived by her sisters and brothers Elaine (Bob) Ranahan, Rick (Debbie) Cloutier, Michelle DeMars and Brian (Rosalind) Cloutier.  Aunt to Doug (Ruth-Anne) Ranahan, Dennis (Dana) Ranahan, Todd (Shannon) Cloutier, Kevin (Melanie) Cloutier, Rich (Heather) Cloutier, Joseph (Lana) Brode, Jeffrey Brode (Melissa Forbes), Carly and Sophie Gooderman, Tom (Dawn) Joyce, Rick (Jennifer) Joyce and Diana (Scott) Christie. Cathy will be missed by so many including her many friends, especially her long time London friends and very dear friend Ruth Beitia.  Donations to the Alzheimer Society of Windsor would be appreciated.  Cremation has taken place followed by a Private Family Service.  Interment at Heavenly Rest Cemetery.  Share memories, photos and condolences at www.windsorchapel.com.   Arrangements entrusted to Windsor Chapel Funeral Home – South Chapel (519-253-7236)