It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ann Catto at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital on May 22nd, 2015. Ann is survived by her sons Mark & Noel; daughter-in-law Deanna and grandsons Mackenzie, Angus, Liam, and Allistair. Ann was predeceased by her husband Alan and her parent’s John and Elsie Grigor of Wallsend, England.
Born in Wallsend, County Northumberland, England, Ann attended a well sought after grammar school and then transitioned to her professional life with her local hospital board, which is where she made many friends for life. Ann took Alan’s hand in marriage in 1962. Ann and Alan came to Canada in 1972 and lived for several years in Winnipeg. After the birth of her second son Noel, Ann chose to be a stay at home mom. Ann and family made numerous moves due to Alan’s career but chose to settle in Revelstoke in 1981.
Ann soon became immersed in the community and very involved with St. Francis of Assisi parish church. Over the years she volunteered thousands of hours to the parish and was instrumental in organizing numerous important events such as the hugely popular Christmas Bazaars. Ann then returned to work for many years as a curator for the Revelstoke Museum. Ann made a big impact very quickly with the historical society. Ann was instrumental to having Lord Revelstoke visit our community in 2009 for that year’s homecoming celebrations and as a result their friendship lasted until his death in 2012. Ann also took on a huge challenge first as a tireless volunteer and then as the manager of the local transition house in Revelstoke and is heralded as helping hundreds of families manage their way through troubled times. Ann took great joy in her service during those years and was commended numerous times by her partner agencies for dedication to the community.
Ann and Alan were together to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in 2012 by renewing their vows in front of family and close friends at St. Francis of Assisi. Ann was a person of good taste, with an appreciation for art, fine foods, and music. Her good graces were infectious and we adopted as many as we could for our own. Ann had a wonderful sense of humor and as such made many people laugh with her well told stories. Ann was a very big part of our lives and as such will be sorely missed.
The date for a memorial for Ann will be announced in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Revelstoke Hospital Auxiliary, Box 1781, Revelstoke, B.C. V0E 2S0, in Ann’s name.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Ann’s obituary at www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com
Cremation arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke.