The Lord called Cathleen May (Oakey) Sanders to her eternal reward early Saturday morning, July 31, 2021. Cathleen is survived by her loving husband of over 65 years, Ken and by her seven children, George (Barbara), Mary (Wilfred), Bill (Tracy), Tara, James (Suzanne), Tim (Jennifer), and Susanne (Michael), by grandchildren Nathan, Rachel, Esther, Gabriel, Daniel, Imogen, Carl-Evan, Shaun, Tanya, Sophia, Oliver, Elliott, Elijah, Royston, Lucia, Sebastian, and Giacomo, and by great-grandchildren Francis, Maria, Louisa, Henry, and Theodore. She is also survived by her twin sister Colleen Oakey and nephew Shane Novak. She was pre-deceased by brother George and sister Dorothy.
Cathleen is lovingly remembered for her amazing gift of hospitality. All were welcomed in her home and at her table and there always seemed to be enough to feed last-minute, unexpected guests. Cathleen’s easy, homey style of conversation put everyone at ease and her active interest made folks feel special. All birthdays and holidays were greatly anticipated for the delicious dinner feasts she would prepare. Her sense of celebration and gratitude regardless of circumstance was always encouraging and inspiring. Cathleen’s busy, sometimes chaotic home was filled with lots of laughter and kindness. Her care for others was a natural outflowing of her deep Christian faith and trust in God.
Cathleen was born in Revelstoke and grew up in the historic West Kootenay communities of Camborne and Beaton until her middle teenage years. Her love of the Lardeau district and her beloved Beaton transcended and shaped all family experiences. The happiest memories of her children, and now grandkids and great grandkids, revolve around the many summer celebrations in Beaton and her legendary hosting of “Happy Hour”.
In recent years, Cathleen and Ken have been less able to host big gatherings, but they were always delighted to join in family gatherings hosted by their children. Cathleen’s open-heart open-home legacy is being carried on by her children and grandchildren who remain close and enjoy getting together whenever they can.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church in White Rock, B.C. on Thursday September 2, 2021 at 1:15 PM.