Cherished mother, grandmother, friend and longtime resident of Brampton passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Catherine (called “Kitty” by her family from the day of birth) was born December 21, 1930. After graduating from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, Guelph in 1952, Cath married Jim Beasley (deceased 1976) and they spent the early years of their marriage in High Park area of Toronto. Having always loved babies and children, Catherine spent 3 years in Paediatrics at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Toronto. In 1955 Catherine and Jim moved to Brampton where they raised their family. Over the coming decades Catherine nursed at Peel Memorial Hospital and also worked for several doctors in their practice. She spent the majority of the following 7 decades in Brampton working, volunteering and socializing. In 1979 Cathy married another Jim, Jim Archdekin (deceased 1982), the popular mayor of Brampton. Her outgoing vibrant personality was well-suited to the socially demanding lifestyle of a mayor’s wife. Whether you knew her as Catherine, Kitty, Cath, Cathy, Gram, Grandma Catherine, or GG, she was a woman who combined being admirably independent and extremely loyal with the capable, compassionate traits of a nurse. Facing life’s challenges with resolve, Catherine would say “there’s no sense whining, let’s get on with it.”
Catherine had a wide circle of friends and many interests. After she retired from nursing, she volunteered in the Children’s Ward and Ultrasound Dept. at Peel Memorial as well as helping run the hospital gift shop. During the 1980’s and 90’s Catherine helped with North Peel Red Cross Blood Donor Clinics and with the Brampton Caledon Association’s bowling program for physically and mentally challenged children. Catherine was a keen golfer, an enthusiastic book club member, treasured her annual trips to Bermuda and, as a lover of music in general, she experienced great joy from singing in the Christ Church choir for many years. Precious and enduring friendships were formed through these pursuits. Catherine is survived by her children (Beasley) and step-children (Archdekin) and their families. Beloved mother of Janet Fines (Bob), Stephen Beasley (Hellen) and Alan Beasley. Cherished Gram of Katie Fines (Carlos Martins), Sara Beasley (James Ly), and Judson Beasley (Chantelle). Proud GG of Henry Martins, Adalynn Beasley, Anders Ly-Beasley and Eloise Ly-Beasley. As well as loving step-mother of Rick Archdekin (Nancy), Charlie Archdekin and Bill Archdekin (Laurie). Beloved Grandma Catherine of Devin (Jen) and Matthew (Sarah), Adam, Steven, Tara, and Dean. Loving great-grandmother of Cameron and Amelia, Aubrey and Fletcher. Catherine was predeceased by her sister Dorothy and is survived by their perpetually sunny “baby” sister Jean Farrelly and fond nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to sincerely thank the Nurses, Caregivers and Staff on the Woodhill Floor of Tall Pines Longterm Care who took exceptionally compassionate care of Catherine. For those who wish to honour Catherine’s memory, donations can be made to Alzheimer Society of Canada (www.alzheimer.ca)
To honour Catherine’s life, please join us at a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm (Words of Remembrance at 2:00 pm) at Brampton Golf Club, 7700 Kennedy Road, Brampton.
Condolences for the family may be offered at EganFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Catherine Mary Archdekin (nee Whitmarsh)
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& Dave Bouchard
Cath, Cathy and later in our friendship her request to be called Catherine was a valued friend we are grateful for. She made our lives richer by being in it. Our heartfelt memories bring some comfort and we do hope to the family as well.
Dot & Don Joshua
Cathy, was an enthusiastic and a no nonsense person. Loved her ability to speak her mind and get her point across in a very diplomatic manner. Christ Church has lost a devoted member and Brampton has lost a valued resident.
Our condolences to the family. Rest in Peace .
Don & Dot Joshua
Paul and Kathy Byrne
Our deepest condolences to each member of the family on the death of this most vital and loving mother figure We have witnessed in the lives of our good friends Janet and Robert how important her presence has been in their lives and in Katie, Carlos, and Henry’s lives. They can be very proud of the loving care they took of Catherine in her declining years and cherish the memories they built during her long and fruitful life. It can be truly said of her that she loved and was loved greatly.
Shelley Potestio
I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and all her family and friends. She was an amazing person.
I had the honors of meeting her at Tall Pines. She will be missed.
Cindy & Bev Hartzenberg
We are so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing woman who accomplished so much in her lifetime. She always greeted us with such warmth at family gatherings as well as at church.
Marjorie R Taylor
Sending sincere condolences to the Cathy’s family, friends and other loved ones. It was a priviledge, as a member of Christ Church Brampton, to have met Kathy and sang with her on the choir for many years. R.I.P. Kathy.
Larry and Nancy Koehle
Cathy Archdekin always put a smile on one’s face with her warm welcoming manner, quick wit, and no nonsense attitude. Intelligent, athletic, and the ultimate volunteer, many of the City of Brampton’s organizations greatly benefitted because of Cathy’s involvement. Our condolences to her family. Rest in peace Cathy. Thank you for all you did for others. You will be missed.
Lilian Maynard
My deepest sympathy to Cathy’s family. We sang together in the Christ Church Anglican choir for years. I looked forward to seeing her. She made me laugh. Also, she could give you an answer regarding anything to do with health. RIP Cathy.
VALERIE MC GIVERIN
We send our condolences to our dear friends Janet, Bob, Katie, Carlos and Henry.
Even though we only met Catherine a few times her love and enjoyment for her family, shone through.
Doug and Debbie Whillans
Our family’s thoughts and prayers are with Cathy’s family. Cathy was a part of our group of friends from Christ Church, Brampton City Council and the overall Brampton Community. She always brought along a smile and I loved meeting up with her at the Brampton Farmers Market and share stories of the past. She was a true friend to our late parents Ken and Edna and those memories will be remembered always.
Barbara Pilon
Janet & Bob, our deepest sympathy to you and all of your family in the loss of your mother.
Barb & Ray Pilon
Judy Archdekin-Smith
I’m so sorry I didn’t know about Cathy’s passing. She always treated me with warmth and kindness in all the years I knew her. The best, though, was the joy and laughter she brought to Jim. It was wonderful to hear his hearty chuckle again after his sad loneliness. Thank you, Cathy, for making my wonderful FIL happy again. Rest in gentle peace with both your Jim’s.