Mrs. Catherine Margaret Russell

Catherine Margaret Russell, 78, of Delta, BC, passed away suddenly on Aug 28, 2023 in Victoria, BC, after suffering a stroke.

Catherine was born November 17, 1944, the only child of Robert & Catherine Blackmore, in Comox, BC. She grew up in Courtenay, and moved to Victoria in the early 1960’s. She started working at the Royal Bank in Victoria in 1963, where she met the love of her life, Gary. They wed on September 2, 1967, and started their married life in Prince Rupert, later moving to Nanaimo, Duncan and eventually, Delta, where they lived for the rest of their married life.

She became a member of Job’s Daughters when she was 12 years old, becoming Grand Guardian in 1979. She later joined Daughters of the Nile, and was appointed Queen of Zarah Temple No.72 in 1991. After that, she served on various committees, and held the position of Princess Recorder from 2001-11. It was an involvement and passion that lasted her whole life.

Catherine was an avid knitter and cross-stitcher in her spare time, and over the years produced many beautiful afghans, baby blankets, pictures and crafts, which she generously gave as gifts to many friends and family members. Their home is decorated with many of her beautiful works.

Catherine also fell in love with Gary’s interest in boating, and they had many smaller boats over the years, eventually working their way up to a 32’ Apollo, the Robarine, in 1974, which they enjoyed for 14 years.

In addition to boating, they were also involved with the Vintage Car Club of Canada, owning several vintage Packards, Cadillacs and other cars over the years. After selling the Robarine, they focused more on this hobby, and spent several years travelling in Canada and the USA on many car club tours, making several lifelong friends along the way.

Eventually they decided to get back into boating, and purchased their current 42’ Canoe Cove, the Aquileia, in 2008. They travelled extensively through the Gulf Islands, and up and down the BC coastline, every summer. Many friends and family members were fortunate to spend time aboard with them. Catherine was the ultimate hostess, making everyone who knew her feel loved, welcomed and extra special. She truly loved boating, and was her happiest when she was onboard, travelling with Gary to wherever they decided to go, with great enthusiasm and excitement for any and all adventures that awaited them.

In their later years, Gary & Catherine continued their love of travel, enjoying 16 cruises to a total of 57 countries, and several land trips, all over the world.

Catherine was pre-deceased by her father, Robert, in 1980 and her mother, Catherine, in 2003.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Gary, several cousins, and sisters-in-law, Lorraine & Lynda Russell.

She was also truly loved and will be greatly missed by the family that adopted her: lifelong friends Jim & Elaine Riederer, and their children, Corinne (Gerard), Doug (Kim) & Michelle (Gus), 8 grandchildren, their spouses, and 7 great-grandchildren, who lovingly knew her as ‘Aunt Catherine.’

A private graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Burnaby, for immediate family and a few close friends, on Tuesday, Sept 12th at 11:00 am.

Padre Graham Witcher of the Royal Canadian Legion 61 will preside.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Russell family.