Margaret Cattani

Mom was born Margaret Ellen Hutton in Port Arthur on May 10, 1927 and grew up on a farm on Black Bay Road. She attended Shuniah School and was such a good student that she skipped a grade. Mom later graduated from Port Arthur Collegiate Institute.
 
Mom began basic training to become a nurse but had to withdraw because of illness. Before she could return to nursing she met our Dad, Bob Cattani. Mom and Dad married in June of 1947 and began their family. They had nine children from 1948 to 1966. When Dad died suddenly in 1970 she was left with eight children at home. Somehow Mom carried on. While we missed our Dad terribly Mom kept us all warm and fed and loved. She lived to see 20 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren - her treasures.
 
Mom learned to knit at age 4 and continued to produce exquisite work for 92 years. She was still crocheting this year despite very restricted eyesight. There have been blankets, sweaters, mitts, toques, scarves, socks and slippers made for every child, grandchild and great grandchild. Our Christmas trees are full of beautiful ornaments she crafted. A few years after Dad died Mom took up golf and pursued it passionately over the next four decades, becoming a member of the Strathcona Ladies Club for many years. Mom was a member of the Catholic Women's League for 73 years through which she volunteered extensively. Once her kids were grown Mom traveled a few times a year, visiting family across Canada, and in the US and England.
 
Mom moved to Castlegreen Co-op in the mid 1980's and lived there into her 90's. At her town house in Castlegreen she kept a steady supply of baked cookies for the neighbourhood kids and treats for the neighbourhood dogs. Mom spent her final years in Bethammi Nursing Home.
 
Mom was always there for her family. She brought us together. She loved and supported us unconditionally. She loved who we loved. We were so fortunate to have had her all these years.
 
Mom was predeceased by her husband Bob whose memory she cherished for 53 years, her parents John and Grace Hutton, her brother Ken Hutton, her daughters in law Joyce Cattani, Kim Cattani and Brenda Cattani, her brothers-in-law Harold Cattani, Bernard Cattani, Vern Hansen and Rollie Stortini, her sisters in law Dorothy Hutton, Helen Hansen and Rita Cattani, her niece Judy Etherington, nephew Paul Hutton and great-nephew Adam Cattani. She was also predeceased by her favourite aunt and uncle Agnes and Joe Robson.
 
Left to remember Mom and to celebrate her life are her children David (Suzanne), Don (Ann), Glen (Hanna), Barry, Doug (Pat), Steve, Ted, Marlene (Jamie) and Tim (Shannon); her grandchildren Mark (Ashley), Kevin (Brittney), Rob (Crystal), Christine, Alanna (Nick), Alexa (Alex), Sara (Phil), Mike (Jorji), Margaret (Devon), Cailean (Cara), Tyler (Stephanie), Nicole, Michelle (David), Candace (Darryl), Kirsten (Adam), Stevie, Melissa (Mike), Jason, Samantha and Alex; her great-grandchildren Oliver, Henry, George, Autumn, Gabriel, Hayden, Ally, Rachel, Mila, Lily, Lincoln, Bailey, Emmett, Parker, Beckham, Violet, Leia, Jaylee, Khai, Declan, Nya, Tessa, Natalee, Hollie, Paityn, Cooper, Ellianna, Isabella and Evan.
 
Mom is also survived by her sisters-in-law Toni Cattani and Teresa Stortini as well as nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
 
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am Tuesday October 31 at St. Margaret Church, 88 Clayte St. Thunder Bay. The Mass will be livestreamed via Sargent & Son Facebook page.
 
Should friends desire, instead of flowers donations could be made to The Dew Drop Inn.
 
Condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.