Obituary of Catherine Mary Allossery
August 22, 1924 – April 9, 2025
Catherine Mary Allossery (née Walsh), a loving spouse, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and auntie, peacefully passed away in Toronto on April 9, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100. She was predeceased by her husband, Theophile, in 2002.
Catherine (Kathleen) was born on August 22, 1924, in Bandon, County Cork, Ireland, daughter of the late Michael Walsh and Catherine Walsh (née Mennis), and sister of the late John, Michael, Charles, Timothy, Thomas, Nora and Steven. After high school, she moved to London, England, with Nora to study nursing. An inseparable duo, they graduated together as both state-registered nurses and state-certified midwives, going on to practice midwifery in Liverpool for about a decade.
In 1956, Catherine met her soon-to-be husband, Theophile Roger Allossery, during a trip to London, Ontario. It was love at first sight, with the two marrying later that year to officially begin their lifelong romance.
Catherine and Theo welcomed three sons, Joseph, Patrick and Brian, before making their home in Chatham, Ontario. Soon after, two daughters, Noreen and Mary Ann, came along to complete the family.
Catherine was a woman of deep faith, caring and giving, and ever ready with a prayer—whether to express gratitude, seek guidance or intercede for others.
She treasured her vocation as a mother beyond all else, always putting the needs of her family before her own. Upon resuming her nursing career at Chatham’s St. Joseph’s Hospital, she chose to work the night shift to ensure she was present for us during our waking hours. Over the years, all those she served in her nursing career and, later in life, as a foodbank volunteer were blessed not only by her dedication but also by her warm, positive nature.
Forever the sassy Irish lassie, Catherine never fully lost her native Cork accent. She cherished her roots in Ireland, often sharing stories about growing up on the farm and enjoying many trips “home” to visit family.
Any memorial to Catherine would be incomplete without mentioning her sharp sense of humour and talent for witty comebacks. Remarkably, although Alzheimer's gradually claimed her memories and diminished her ability to communicate, she continued to deliver unexpected and delightful rejoinders until her final days.
Catherine is survived by her five children, Joseph Allossery (Ella Zhang), Patrick Allossery (Mandy McGlynn), Brian Allossery (Jacqueline Gallant), Noreen Allossery-Walsh (Ursuline Sisters of Chatham) and Mary Ann Allossery (Greg Lipin). She will be fondly remembered by her five grandchildren, Matthew, Nicole, Noah, Charlotte and Kathleen, and four great-grandchildren, Maeby, Shirley, Kaia and Myles.
As we celebrate the gift of her life, our family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff at Toronto’s Kensington Gardens for the tireless dedication and gentle care you provided to our mother in her final years. Your support and kindness enriched her life immeasurably and truly meant the world to us. For those who wish to honour Catherine, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada at alzheimer.ca.
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again…May you be held in Love’s hands.”
Please share a memory, photo or sentiment of Catherine's life here at her memorial legacy page.
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