CATHERINE JANET DREW

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CATHERINE JANET DREW Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, Catherine Drew passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2018 at the age of 93. She was predeceased by her husband William Drew in 2010. Left to cherish her memory are her children: daughter Muriel (Rennie) and their family: Kyle, Cory (Sharlene), children: Shayla and Rylan; daughter Shirley and her family: Dana (Brad), Tracy (Jason), child Ashley; son William (Susan) and his family: Bev, children: Desiree and Dylan; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mom was born in Fort William, ON to Edward and Mildred Johnson on October 4, 1924. Being the youngest in the family, she had survived her sisters, Muriel and Helen, and brother Richard. Her childhood years included many loved fishing trips on Lake Superior, family picnics and family reunion trips to Quebec (parent's home town), as well as parts of USA and throughout Canada. As a beautiful and fun-loving teenager, she enjoyed ice skating and spending time with her many friends. Her good looks and beautiful spirit broke the hearts of many as old letters that were read and saved pictures have shown. During the Second World War, she served as a member of the Fort William Military Band (www.fortwilliamgirlsmilitaryband.ca). Band members entertained our troops at dances where she played the grand piano and during marching parades she played the bass drum. The band was there to greet the troops that were leaving or returning at the CPR railway station. After graduating business college, she was a stenographer at the CPR railway station until she had her heart stolen by our father with his winning smile. He brought her to Winnipeg to marry in 1947 and they resided most of their 63 years of marriage in St. Vital until Dad passed away in 2010. Mom always enjoyed spending any time off work she had with her three children; playing the piano and having family sing-a-longs. She looked forward to Sunday picnics, dinners and travelling back to Fort William to visit family, when time allowed. In Winnipeg, she worked at Superior Roofing Company as a secretary and bookkeeper for many years until its demise. From there she worked at River Valley Store Fixtures who were quoted as saying "She was the best secretary and bookkeeper they ever knew." After finally retiring, Mom and Dad were able to travel, seeing Western Canada, parts of USA, Hawaii, England, Scotland and France. In her later years, Mom joined the Reh-Fit Center and was a dedicated member for over 20 years. She met many new friends that she was very thankful for. She always said that the wonderful people, staff and exercise was what helped to keep her going all these years. She was a true inspiration to us all and will be forever loved and remembered. In keeping with Mom's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, February 16 at 2:00 p.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald Street. Mom will be laid to rest with Dad at a later date in St. Vital Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in Catherine's memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, or a charity of your choice. E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086
Publish Date: Feb 15, 2018

CATHERINE JANET DREW It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Catherine Drew on Sunday, February 11, 2018, at the age of 93 years. In keeping with Catherine's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, February 16, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Coutu Funeral Chapel, 680 Archibald Street. A longer obituary will follow in Thursday's edition. E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors 204-253-5086
Publish Date: Feb 14, 2018

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 15, 2018