Muriel Catherine Henderson

1944-2020

At home, at peace, and with her daughters at her side, Cathy passed away December 27.

She was the beloved daughter of the late Molly and David Flavelle, and adored sister of Ginny and Chuck Millar, and Elizabeth Flavelle and David Windeyer. She was the proud aunt of Scott and David Millar, Christopher Flavelle and Andrew Flavelle Martin, and their families.

Cathy devoted her heart to her daughters, Kate (Tom King) and Heather (Greg Simpson), and her grandchildren, Maude and Desmond King, and Will and Sammy Simpson. She loved having everyone in her house at Christmas in particular.

An alumna of Branksome Hall and Trinity College (University of Toronto), Cathy was proud to have a diverse education, including a diploma in Early Childhood Education at Sheridan College, Master of Education in Teacher Development at Brock University, and a doctorate in adult education at OISE. While starting as a teacher, Cathy transferred into administrative positions, eventually becoming Academic Vice-President at Sheridan, President of Centennial College, and President of the Ontario College of Art & Design (now OCADU). At the time she was doing this work, very few women held comparable positions. She was instrumental in making fundamental changes wherever she worked, including overseeing the establishment of the prestigious Bell Centre at Centennial, and assisting OCADU in its acquisition of university status. She won several awards for her work, and was a consistent advocate of the college system in Ontario, being the first college graduate to become a college president.

She loved the dogs that kept her company, antiquing with friends, going to the ballet with her friend Marion Davidson, traveling and having lunch with her sisters. She loved her home and neighbours in the Beach. Her life was well lived.

Kate and Heather wish to extend immense thanks to family and friends who helped throughout, to mom's supportive neighbours, and to the personal support workers, in particular Farima and Anna, who gave care so respectfully and generously despite the pandemic. Most of all, we wish to thank Kaelia, whom mom adored, and without whom we couldn't have managed.

We will be making arrangements to have a commemorative bench installed at the Beach in Cathy's memory. If desired, family and friends can make a donation to a charity of their choice in Cathy's name, perhaps considering a gift to an educational institution or program of impact to you and your family.