Cathy van der Heiden

Posted Aug 7, 2025 | 10:53 AM by CookSFC

February 26, 1934 ~ August 6, 2025

Catharina van der Heiden passed away peacefully at Sunnyview Nursing Home in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the age of 91 years. Cathy is lovingly remembered by her children: John (Carmen), Leroy (Kerrie Gauthier), Rita (Doug) Scott, Everett (Maryann), Evelyn (Joseph Seitz), and Michael (Nancy). She is also cherished by her grandchildren: Tyler (Rachel Kruger), Jacqueline (Mitchell Kurtz), Cory (Kyra), Daniel, Sara (Jesse) Andreas, Samantha Scott (Emelia Sandau), Thomas and Aidan Seitz, and Dylan, Madison, and Mackenzie (Fiw Chakhim). Cathy is also survived by great-grandchildren, Jordan and Rhett van der Heiden, Cole, Carter and Jace Andreas. She will also be missed by her siblings: Piet (Dora), Annie, Jose, Franz (Els), Andre (Annie), Rikkie (Antoon), as well as her sisters-in-law, Mary, Miep and Tine as well as many nieces and nephews. Cathy was predeceased by her beloved husband, Everett and grandsons, Mitchell Scott and Cole van der Heiden. Born in Heesch, Netherlands, Cathy was the second of eleven children, the oldest daughter of Leonardus and Hendrika van den Akker. She worked alongside her father as a tailor from the age of fourteen until she was twenty-four. In 1958, Cathy accepted an invitation to work in Canada with her aunt and uncle. What was meant to be a two-year adventure turned into a lifetime when she met a handsome young Dutchman, Everett. Together, they built a beautiful life in Canada. She took great pride in many aspects of her life, including her sewing and knitting skills, the beautiful garden she cultivated with Everett, and her deep commitment to volunteering at St. Patrick’s, the CWL, and within her community. Cathy knitted over 1,200 newborn baby hats for the MHRH maternity ward. In her spare time, she sang with the St. Pat’s Church Choir and was an active participant in knitting and quilting clubs. Together with Everett, she traveled extensively throughout the world, creating lasting memories with family and friends. Though Cathy’s health declined over the past decade due to dementia and ultimately Alzheimer’s, she never lost her infectious sense of humor, her chatty nature or her joy for life. Cathy was a devoted mother, Oma and friend to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Vigil Prayers will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street SW, Medicine Hat on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 238 – 2nd Ave NE, Medicine Hat on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Paolo Cervantes celebrant. Private Interment will take place at Redcliff Cemetery. Both Vigil Prayers and the Funeral Mass will be live-streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience the celebrations may visit the Cook Southland Funeral Chapel website and select the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Cathy’s name may be made to AJ’s Loan Cupboard or South Country Village. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reflections Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455

Date : 2025-08-06
Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta