In Memory Of

Catherine "Cathy" Anne Thompson

Oct 11, 1937 - Mar 28, 2025

Service

  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Obituary

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother, Grand-mother, Catherine Anne Thompson. Catherine’s full life began in Youngstown, AB. At a young age she knew that the village of Duchess, where she grew up, could not hold her personality so at 16 moved to Calgary to receive her LPN training. From there she was posted briefly in Pincher Creek and Ponoka before coming to Rocky Mountain House, where she found everything to complete her life.
In Rocky, she met and married her life partner Lawrence Thompson, this began the adventure that became her life. Lawrence and Cathy welcomed 4 children (Shirley, William, Wayne and Brent) and too many 4-legged fur babies to remember much less mention. Cathy found her calling in caring for others. She spent 48 years at the Rocky Hospital until moving to West Country Family Services Association until her ‘retirement’ at the age of 85. Besides nursing she spent much time helping run Thompson’s Riverview Service with Lawrence. Her curiosity runs deep and led to many interesting hobbies. She loved music, especially if it had a “good beat!” Spending time teaching her kids to polka her boisterous ‘oom-pah-pah’ music, buying herself a drum kit and taking lessons. Cathy also loved West Country and spent much of her time there camping with Lawrence and the kids, taking drives, stopping to pick flowers or dig up trees and shrubs to take home. And visiting. Cathy loved to visit! Never one to miss an opportunity to converse with one and all! Although she never quite got the gist of her cell phone, her cordless house-phone was always within reach. As was her calendar that held every birthday, anniversary or special occasion for all those she held close, so she could be sure to give a call and let them know she was thinking of them. Catherine was predeceased by her parents Fred and Annie Stroeble; her husband Lawrence; two sons William and Wayne; her in-laws Josephine, Charlie, Ida, Joanne and Harold. She is survived by her children Shirley and Brent (Brenda); her grandchildren Clinton, Kristi, Mary (JD), Aimee (Matt), and Austin; 4 great grandchildren; 2 nieces, Wendy and Elizabeth; 2 nephews Warren and John; her brother John; cousin Jerry (Mary); numerous friends (Dallas, Shannon, Lois, Linda, Heather, Irma, and Shirley to name a few); and many, many acquaintances whose lives she touched over the years. Her presence will be missed!
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences

Elizabeth :

I just received a Christmas package in the mail from you auntie Cathy. She was always thinking of her family on special occasions and birthdays. Her brother John (my dad) and I have such fond memories. We will miss you Cathy.

Shirley & Miranda Cossuta :

Lucky enough to be neighbors with Cathy and always enjoyed having visits. She always had a smile on her face and just the sweetest lady ever. Her lively spirit will be missed, rest in peace Cathy.

Angela Ingalls :

Condolences to the family of Cathy... Cathy was an amazing woman and was one of my favorite customers at McDonald's... I'm gonna miss her smiling face!!

Rhonda & Rick Reynaud:

Shirley, Brent & families,
Our sincere condolences on your loss. Rocky community has indeed lost a grand lady.
I first met Cathy as a young teen patient at the hospital. She calmed my fears, tucked me in and assured me all would be okay. I had the privilege later of nursing with Cathy. She indeed loved to chat and could easily put anyone at ease with her banter. Cathy was a born caregiver and she did so easily with love. I miss our chats, her wonderful humour and laugh. She will be missed.

Dawnna-Lee Nielsen :

Cathy was a brilliant ray of sunshine, she brought joy and positivity to every day and everyone she came in contact with. I remember so fondly coming in to work at the hospital and knowing Cathy was there by the music playing. Every day working with Cathy was a best day. She never forgot my birthday in almost forty years of knowing her. She was loved. Condolences to her family and everyone who loved her.

Marina Kulich:

I feel so fortunate to have gotten to know Cathy over the past three years. Her spunky, warm personality left a lasting impression! She truly lived a life of service to others and loved making everyone feel seen and celebrated. Her absence is already deeply felt. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

Brian Schroth & family:

Brent, Shirley & family.
Wishing you all the best at this difficult time.
Cathy was such a huge part of not just my life, but my family's as well. So many memories of Cathy, Lawrence and family that will always be part of my life, as well as my family's.
There were many times when Brent & myself should have gotten a good 'old you know what from her, but instead Cathy would just smile , laugh, & shake her head amusingly. That was her.
Always in our hearts , condolences from myself & my family. RIP

Janelle Schooler:

Cathy was a mentor and friend to me and so many others for so many years. This beautiful woman has left a lasting legacy and impact on so many with her love, kindness and compassion not only in her healthcare career but everywhere else she went in her life. A true role model. I’m sorry to hear of her passing. Thinking of her family at this time.

Dean Ross:

So sorry for your loss. It certainly is a loss that is felt by many many people. Her smile s and visits we a treasure to so many people who had the fortune to have her care for you in hospital. I met her when I first came to Rocky at the old Bay store I don’t think she ever forgot a name, face or a family connection in all those years I saw her last at a funeral in Caroline a few months ago and we had a chat there. What a wonderful person

Dawn & Donn Mason / Meryl & Ernest Campbell:

This is such a profound loss to so many people. Cathy was such a wonderful woman personally and professionally. Her choice to serve people throughout her life was never taken lightly; She loved everyone and was loved beyond measure. She and Lawrence were longtime friends spanning over 50 years with our family. Our deepest condolences to her family, we share in your sorrows....

Jane Muyres (Fisher):

I am so sorry for your great loss. Cathy was a real pleasure to visit with and I know that you will miss her deeply

Karin Nijenhuis:

I have always admired Kathy. Worked many great shifts with her. I admired how she just knew everyone in town, and who was all related to whom. We had many good laughs at work. She really cared about her patients, and staff. I was so much younger then her, when I started working with her. She actually told me she started working in Rocky before I was even born. No wonder she knew everything, and had wonderful stories. She will be missed. My condolences to her family.

Glenda May:

I’m so sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing. My condolences to her family and friends

Barb Rauch (Mofford):

I'm so sorry for the loss. Cathy was one of a kind lady, I'm going to miss our chats when we would run into each other. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Colleen Salmon:

Shirley, Brent and families, so sorry to hear of
Your mom’s passing, what a wonderful person she was, a bundle of energy and a great sense of humour. I remember the days we were neighbours down across the river, I remember her from the good ole days at the Rocky hospital, she had a passion for helping people, we had many laughs.
She will be missed.
Take good care
Colleen Salmon

Kandis Stradecki (nee Lindsay):

I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was amazing, spirited, energetic and so quick witted. I loved hearing her stories and remember fondly how she and my Dad would also have banter back and forth culminating into fits of laughter. Our community has lost a true and rare gem! My condolences to all of you.

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