CATHERINE "CATHIE" McGINTY, beloved wife of the late James "Jim" McGinty, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Edith Cavell Care Centre, on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at the age of 86 years.

Cathie is lovingly remembered by her sisters Sadie McCarthy and Phyllis Alexander as well as her niece Katrina Whittingham in Scotland and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family in Canada, Scotland, England, Australia and Spain.

She was predeceased by her ever loving husband James "Jim", parents George and Bridget Tracey, sisters Margaret Tracey and Georgina McIntyre (Ina).

Cathie, was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1934, the fourth born daughter to Bridget and George. Her older siblings were Sadie and Ina, and 19 months after her birth, the family became complete with another girl, Phyllis. Unfortunately, before Cathie was born, her parents had already lost a daughter, Margaret, in 1927 at the age of 5 years.

Both her parents extended families lived close by but given a choice Cathie spent time with her maternal Grandmother McCann who she was particularly close to.

Further tragedy struck the family in 1942 when Cathie was only 7 years old, with the sudden death of George, Cathie's father.

There was a family business, a small dairy shop to run and a family home to keep afloat with no father figure earning. Ina helped run the shop with her mother, who had numerous other jobs on top of the family business. Sadie found work to contribute to their household while Cathie and Phyllis continued attending school. Upon leaving school Cathie found secretarial work and attended administration night classes to gain extra qualifications.

Life began to change for Cathie in 1952 when working at Hilly's caf?, covering for her sister Phyllis, she met her one true love James (Jim) McGinty. Their courtship was cemented in marriage on 15th February 1954. They began their married life in the small family flat Jim had shared with his brother. Cathie and Jim progressed in their jobs in Glasgow, enjoyed family time, becoming Aunt and Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. They enjoyed an active social life with friends/family in and around Glasgow.

However, after 10 years of married life, with Cathie's sisters Phyllis and Sadie already in Canada, they took the decision to immigrate to Canada too and settled in Lethbridge, Alberta.  They all believed this would lead to a better future. Sadie, Cathie's older sister, had moved to Canada to help her recover from being widowed at a young age in 1963. Sadie initially stayed with Phyllis and her Scottish husband Bob Alexander, but then shared her home with Cathie and Jim for nine years. Sadie then married Canadian, Doug McCarthy and settled into Lethbridge life. Cathie found work in her first week in Canada, in Lethbridge's Municipal Hospital as a medical secretary with the support of post school qualifications and excellent references from her Scottish employers.

Despite finding employment easy, Cathie found it hard to settle in what was the rural Lethbridge of 1964, having moved from the bustling city of Glasgow (with a population of around 1 million, large department stores and a wide array of social entertainment). Cathie also missed the Scottish landscape, where the sea was just an hour's drive away from her Glasgow upbringing. Lastly Cathie missed family and her close friends from home. Cathie's older sister Ina was the only sibling to stay in Scotland with their mother and extended family. Cathie and Jim made frequent trips back to Scotland, where moving back was often muted by Cathie, but ultimately Jim convinced Cathie, Canadian life was for better for them. Their mother, Ina and her family also made frequent trips to visit their 'Canadian' family. The last visit 'Gran Tracey' made was in 1983, at 87 years old! So, distance did not stop the family from remaining close in their hearts. Travel within Canada, the USA with Ina, her family and Gran Tracey, became their vacations when not travelling home to Scotland. It was only once Cathie retired, travel with extended Canadian friendship groups further afield took place.

Cathie had a successful career in secretarial and administration work in the Agriculture research station in Lethbridge. She was a respected colleague, member of her local church and friend to many. Cathie enjoyed hobbies such as square dancing, crafting, fishing, travel, baking, entertaining and loved shopping with a passion! She tolerated Jim's love of hockey! 

Since retiring, Cathie initially became an active church volunteer, however in time, she endured several health concerns which curtailed her ability to volunteer or remain active in her local community. Several strokes, the last one in 2019 and the diagnosis of dementia led to the difficult decision for her husband Jim to seek the assistance of Edith Cavell Care Centre in the provision of her care. Up until his death in May 2020, he remained absolutely devoted to Cathie, visiting three times a day every day. They both grew to trust in the care provided by Edith Cavell staff, who remained compassionate and dedicated until the end of Cathie's life.

Cathie led a full beautiful life, overcoming early tragedies and challenges. Her personal area of life fulfillment appeared to be in her 66 year of marriage to Jim when death separated them last year. Now Cathie's Eastertide death will have brought them back together, God willing.

A Prayer Service will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. with Francis and Cybele Noronha officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. Both services will be live streamed and may be accessed via Cathie's obituary on the Cornerstone website.