Obituary of Cathy Holtham

Mary Catherine Schwan Holtham

November 10,1937- January 4th, 2022

Mary Catherine Holtham was born on November 10th, 1937 in Owen Sound, Ontario to Harold and Patricia Schwan. 

Mary Catherine, or Cathy (as most knew her), spent an idyllic childhood in Owen Sound with her 6 siblings, which she reminisced about fondly throughout her life. 

She moved to Buffalo, NY in her early twenties after nursing school to be a nurse at Children's Hospital. 

She met and married her beloved husband Richard in Buffalo; they were married for over 59 years. Her greatest joy in life was being a mom to her daughters, Beth of Viera, Fl and Christine of Apex, NC and a grandma to her beloved grandsons (to whom she was known as Nana) Austen and Connor and her adopted granddaughter Samantha.

She was a nurse and ICU Unit Secretary for over 30 years.

They moved to their ‘beach house’ in 1989, a condo adorned with seashells, seagulls and everything beachy-y, nestled between the Banana river and the Atlantic ocean, which Austen, Connor, and Samantha loved to visit growing up. 

She was an incredibly talented watercolor painter; every birthday and holiday, her family and friends could  count on getting a hand-painted card neatly ripped out of a Strathmore Watercolor pad. Her favorite things to paint were flowers and nature scenes. 

Cathy touched the lives of many with her boundless optimism and positivity. She was filled to the brim with love for family and friends. Especially her dear friend Pat Sulecki of 55 years.  She will be missed and remembered by all she touched. 

She is survived by her husband -  Richard, daughters- Beth and Christine, grandsons - Austen, Connor,  adopted granddaughter -  Samantha, sister - Helen and brothers -  James and Michael. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Patricia and Harold, brother Bill and sisters Pat and Caroline.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to https://www.thelastchancesanctuary.com/

A private  celebration of life ceremony will be held for close family and friends.