Obituaries

CATHARINE LOLA PEARSON
(Nee Matthews)

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt at Grace Hospital on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Left to mourn her passing are her husband Bob of 66 years, children Kim (Larry), Paul (Grace), David (Tracy), grandchildren Erik (Miranda, great-grandson Leon), Ian (Shanae), Kyle, Zara, Mya, Drew (Alanna), Callen, her sisters Maria (Alan) and Barbara; as well special nieces and great-nieces and nephews who were so dear to her.

She is predeceased by her parents, Jean and Sydney and daughter Lauren.

Mom was born on April 9, 1940 in Portage La Prairie, the second of three daughters. As a wartime baby, she met her dad at the age of 5 when he returned home. Her childhood years were spent in Portage with her parents and sisters where she made friendships that lasted a lifetime. At 9, the family moved to Winnipeg, and she later graduated from St. James Collegiate. Mom graduated from the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing in 1962 and went on to work in various hospitals throughout Winnipeg.

In the late 1950’s, she met the man she would forever spend her life with. They celebrated 66 years this past August. They first welcomed Kim in 1961. Lauren followed 5 years later and then Paul and David in 1972.

Mom chose to be home with the boys until they started school. She returned to her nursing career at Grace Hospital, retiring in 1995.

Mom loved being a nurse and she excelled at it. Because of her warmth and openness, patients were drawn to her and she made a positive impact on so many lives. The friendships she made with her coworkers over those 16 years were so special to her; connections she cherished for the rest of her life.

When the boys were 13, they made the leap to Coleridge. This would be their forever home. Mom and Dad meticulously cared for their home and garden and took great pleasure in the yard. Endless hours were poured into creating a home they were so proud of.

Their space would go on to host more parties than could ever be counted. There was always a reason to celebrate with family and friends. They hosted weddings of two of their children and even more wedding showers, baby showers and anniversaries, birthday parties and Sunday dinners.

When the grandchildren joined the family, she met them with anticipation and excitement. Mom embraced the little boys in a bubbly tub with bright cheeks and offered Batman towels to warm them when coming out of the pool. She adored the first grandchild even when he fell asleep under leaves, defended the one that sneaked the Lego men, held close the blue plate for the one that preferred it, encouraged the one that firmly planted himself halfway up the rock garden seeking the summer sun, and protected the only one that had Grandpa put up lattice on the deck. The two little girls who followed all those boys were such a welcome sight for her – the one with the eyes and the one that chatted her ears off. She delighted in each of them.

Mom and dad loved retirement. It meant family and many years of wintering in Arizona making lasting friendships. Retirement for mom also meant she could pursue her passion for quilting. She finally had space to create her “sewing room” and began her “collection” of fabric. She graced us with her gifts which we will cherish. Never to be forgotten were her endless crocheted afghans which were presented to each of us with love.

Mom left a lasting impression with all she met. She entered every interaction with an open heart and acceptance. Not enough can be said of her character as she was truly a wonderful human that we could all aspire to be. This could be recognized by the endless visits throughout her time in hospital over the past several weeks. Thank you to those for the love and support you showed mom and her family. It was truly meaningful to her and us.

Mom, we can’t begin to describe the depth of loss we feel without your loving watch. The strength and support you shared at times of hardship to each of us will be cherished. Thank you for all the love and guidance you have given.

Be still. Never mind. Don’t fuss.

The family would like to thank the staff at Grace Hospital for the care she received throughout her time.

Cremation has taken place. At the wishes of mom, no service will be planned.

In Lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation to CancerCare Manitoba.