November 9, 1963 – September 18, 2007

It is with great sorrow and sadness that the family announces the passing of Catherine Caroline Krysmanski-Dean on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at her home in Oakville. She passed from her journey in this world to the next with all of her loving family at her side. She spent the last days of her life in her Oakville home which she shared with her devoted husband Brian and with whom she shared an enduring love, and her two loving children Emily (her "Kilarney") and Connor (her little "Wolfie") for whom she was a devoted and passionate mother. Catherine is the beloved eldest daughter of Peter and Margret Krysmanski, born into their loving arms on November 9, 1963, with whom she shares a deep love and friendship. Catherine is the cherished sister, best friend and confidante of Cynthia and Clifford. She is the dear niece of her Uncle Hans-Juergen (Chris) Krysmanski from 'ocean's away'. Catherine leaves her great flock of nephews and nieces whom she shepherded with great love and affection: Juliet, Emma Cate, and Quinn; Aidan, Evan, and Liam; Dylan and Kaitlyn; Kaylee, Jana, Tori and Serena. Catherine was a treasured sister-in-law to Geoff, Linda, Cathy and John, Dori and Jerry and a well loved daughter-in-law to Erven and Catherine (Kathleen) Dean. Catherine had many special connections with people from all corners of the world, leaving behind many dear friends. Refreshingly candid, a lover of lively conversation, disarmingly frank with a relentless wit and self-deprecating sense of humour, Catherine was the life of any gathering, making sure those around her were having a good time as she. She was the Queen of the upper and lower drawers of life – from her highbrow passion for Opera, theatre, cinema, literature, travel, history, nature, stray animals, and fine food to her unapologetic appreciation for the lowbrow of a big Mac, men in chain mail, and Monty Python. Myriad her passions be, above all, her most important passion was family, which she proved by how zealously she took her duties as a mother, wife, sister, daughter and aunt. She enthusiastically upheld the value of keeping family traditions and holidays, elevating every event into a celebration of life, love and family unity. In Catherine's presence, be it neighbour, friend, child, or family member, people could relax knowing that they were fully appreciated for who they were 'as is'. Yet, never one to waste an opportunity, Catherine grasped the gentle art of prompting people to push beyond perceived limitations, thereby causing all to grow and flourish under her loving and frequently mischievous influence. The lousy hand she was dealt in health was always outshone by Catherine's unwavering resilience and radiance despite of it. This is how she will continue on; the shining memory of her will burn bright in our hearts. The family will receive friends at Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville (one block east of Kerr, 905-844-2600) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday with a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 21, 2007 in the Kopriva Chapel followed by a reception. Cremation and interment will take place separately; as well there will be a celebration of her life at a later date. Catherine loved flowers and since she missed out on summer, it was Catherine's wish to make up for it by being smothered with flowers at her Memorial Service.

"Memories are how we hold the ones we love"
-The Snow Cat