Catherine Miller Obituary - Burlington, Ontario | Guelph Line Smith's Funeral Home
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Obituary for Catherine Louise "Cathy" Miller (Breault)

Catherine Louise "Cathy"  Miller (Breault)
MILLER, Catherine Louise (née Breault)
Cathy passed away peacefully at Joseph Brant Hospital on January 9, 2017 at the age of 84, following the passing of her beloved husband Val in 2000. She will be deeply missed by children Nancy and Peter, granddaughters Emma, Charlotte and Caroline, son-in-law Glen and daughter-in-law Heather.
Cathy began her life on a family farm in Enterprise, Ontario and later spent her teen years in Napanee, Ontario. While she had many wonderful memories and stories from her early days, a farming life was not for her. Thus, after high school, she attended Peterborough Teachers' College (formerly the Peterborough Normal School) and moved to Hamilton to begin her teaching career. While boarding with the Mitchell family in Hamilton, Cathy was introduced to her future husband, Val Miller, by Jim Mitchell’s niece, Ruth, who dated and later married Val’s brother, Milo Miller. This happy circumstance resulted in a loving, 44-year marriage that brought her great joy. Cathy and Val bought their first and only home in Burlington while engaged to be married. There, she bore Nancy and Peter within six years of their marriage. Cathy left teaching to raise her children but she was keen to return to work once Nancy and Peter were 11 and 8, respectively. She was a kindergarten teacher with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) at Lake Avenue school and Elizabeth Bagshaw school from 1970 until her retirement in 1992. Cathy was also President of the HWDSB Kindergarten Association during her teaching career. While juggling a hectic life as mother, wife and teacher, Cathy’s ever present ambition led her to McMaster University, where she completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in 1986.
Cathy enjoyed spending many happy summers with her family and friends at her cottage on Lake Mazinaw, which was built by her father.
Cathy was an active and enthusiastic volunteer throughout her life, including organizing and running the nursery school at East Plains United Church, as a member of the Board of Volunteers at McMaster University, as a member of the volunteer committee at Opera Hamilton, and as a volunteer at Joseph Brant Hospital. She was an avid supporter of the arts, including the National Ballet of Canada, the Shaw Festival and Opera Hamilton. Cathy was also a long-time member of Probus Canada, and received her diamond pin in recognition of 60 years’ membership with the Beta Sigma Phi sorority.

Cathy maintained a high level of energy and pursued many interests, including extensive travel with her husband and family, playing bridge with her club, interior design, reading and entertaining. She had a flair for the aesthetic as reflected in her immaculate wardrobe and in the interiors of her home and cottage. Cathy’s large personality was matched by generosity towards her family, friends and broader community. She and Val were never happier than when their house was filled with people, young and old. Her home was always open for friends to drop in, have a swim, share a joke and stay for a meal – with Cathy serving as the center of fun and laughter.
Visitations will be held at Smith’s Funeral Home, 1167 Guelph Line, Burlington (905-632-3333) on Sunday, January 15, 2017 from 3:00–5:00pm and 7:00–9:00pm. A funeral service will be held at East Plains United Church on Monday, January 16, 2017 at 10:30am. Interment at Woodland Cemetery. Cathy loved flowers, however, if wished, donations to The National Ballet of Canada or Alzheimer Society Canada would be welcomed.
Special thanks to the team at the palliative care unit of Joseph Brant Hospital, including Dr. Frank Fornasier, Dr. John Holmes and Dr. Mike Mills as well as the nursing staff Sandy, Kara, Naz, Jelena, Gail, Teresa, Sue, Diana and Petrina. Finally, a very special thanks to Cathy’s amazing caregivers Danica Kekic, Sandra Heathfield, Mary Pearson, Beryl Robyn, Helena Sterry, Linda Thompson, and Sherry Thorne.
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