1951 ~ CATHERINE AITKEN ~ 2019

Catherine Ann Aitken of Medicine Hat passed away on Sunday, May 12th, 2019 at the age of 68 years after a long but courageous battle with cancer. Catherine leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Pauline (Jerry) Fitzgerald; nephew, Philip (Anita) Fitzgerald and their children, Henry and Isabella; and nephew, Robert Fitzgerald. Catherine was predeceased by her parents, Ross and Lois Duke; first husband, John Parkins in 1976; and husband, Robert Aitken in 1986. Catherine began her life long journey in the nursing program at Toronto Western Hospital where she graduated from in 1972. She continued her education over the next several years; graduating in 1981 with a BSc from University of Toronto (York); and a BScN/NP from Ryerson University in 2000. Over the span of her career she acted and cared for patients in psychiatry, neurosurgery, and as a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner.

Family was very important to her. She married John Parkins in 1973. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1976. In 1977, she married Robert Aitken. Together they moved to Montreal, QC, and then to Toronto, ON. Sadly, Bob passed away in 1986. Catherine was buoyed up by the births of her nephews, Philip Fitzgerald and Robert Fitzgerald. The boys brought her great joy. She spent many hours knitting, crocheting, and sewing for them. This love of family continued with the arrival of her great-nephew, Henry; and her great-niece, Isabella. Catherine devoted her time to her career and to volunteering. She was multi-talented and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and tending to her gardens. She will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5, on Wednesday, May 15th, 2019 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Thursday, May 16th, 2019 at 10:30 am with Father Vijaya Bathineni, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Catherine’s memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Home, 156 – 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Catherine Aitken. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park” #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.