Ciaran Llachlan Leavitt Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:28:44 GMT -8

Our lives are less rich for your loss, yet inexpressively better just for having known you. My deepest condolences to you, Shaira, and the rest of your families.

Evelyn Zellerer Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:22:18 GMT -8

Shaira, know how much we love you and how much we long to offer some form of comfort, to somehow be able to ease your journey through such pain.

I search for words and am struck by all the emotions that I am feeling. I notice that in the midst of sorrow, there is also love.

Thank you Catherine for your beautiful smile and laughter, your impeccable integrity, your kindness, your depth of being.

Thank you Shaira and Catherine for living and loving so completely and fully. Your extraordinary love has always been an inspiration to me.

Catherine touched so many lives. She is so loved and adored and respected, and now honoured as she deserves to be.

Barbara Anderson and Kathryn Zemliya Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:19:01 GMT -8

This is such devastating news. Please accept our deepest condolences, Shaira. Catherine was such a mensch in every way; a woman of integrity, courage and compassion.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jan Berry Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:06:55 GMT -8

Sadness washed over me. Catherine was and is a beautiful person. I remember her from the Folk Music Festival, the Queer community, and from my advocacy work.

Sharia, I hold you in my heart.

Sky Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:31:24 GMT -8

Thank you Catherine for all your beautiful positive energy. You are loved and missed by all who knew you. Shaira, be held, by family

Donimo Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:16:37 GMT -8

I met Catherine in 1988 and was immediately struck by her fierce love for life. She was a force of nature, a compelling mixture of tender and strong. In the 80's and early 90's, when there was a shortage of tolerance and an abundance of judgment, she was a proud queer who wasn't afraid to stand up and declare herself (while tossing back her beautiful blonde hair and laughing and looking gorgeous). I was proud to stand beside her and still carry the strength in me that was born of that time. Catherine helped me embrace all of who I am. Her celebration of me, her loving me, in my early days of coming out informs the person I have become. It was a blessing to know her.

Though there was a space between us in the past few years, I am so grateful that we not long ago had the chance to speak of our love for one another. She will remain always in my heart; her fierceness will forever guide me. I will miss her so.

My heart goes out to her family and friends. Words must fail to capture the enormity of your loss. May love surround you and time ease your pain.

I met Catherine in 1988 and was immediately struck by her fierce love for life. She was a force of nature, a compelling mixture of tender and strong. In the 80's and early 90's, when there was a shortage of tolerance and an abundance of judgment, she was a proud queer who wasn't afraid to stand up and declare herself (while tossing back her beautiful blonde hair and laughing and looking gorgeous). I was proud to stand beside her and still carry the strength in me that was born of that time. Catherine helped me embrace all of who I am. Her celebration of me, her loving me, in my early days of coming out informs the person I have become. It was a blessing to know her.

Though there was a space between us in the past few years, I am so grateful that we not long ago had the chance to speak of our love for one another. She will remain always in my heart; her fierceness will forever guide me. I will miss her so.

My heart goes out to her family and friends. Words must fail to capture the enormity of your loss. May love surround you and time ease your pain.

Ian Martin Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:41:47 GMT -8

I worked with Catherine at Three Bridges for about 8 years. I knew Catherine as a warm, practical, very down to earth, wonderful person who helped a lot of people in need. She also had a good sense of humour and I remember her smile when we would share a laugh together. I will miss her as I know many will. Shaira, I met you on occasion at some of our Three Bridges gatherings. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I know her spirit is still with us and she'll continue to look down and smile. I'm sorry that I am unable to make it to the wake as I am out of town right now. Best wishes, Ian