In Tribute

On the day of her funeral, Barb, Connie, Hilary, Rhonda and I remember our dear friend:

- She was foremost a creative person. A trained artist, she loved beauty in all forms, from art to music to film to architecture.
- She placed family first: she was a devoted daughter and aunt, and loved her mother and her nephews above all.
- She was a loyal, loyal friend. She had tremendous compassion, sharing in both the happiness and sadness of her friends and co-workers.
- She new how important it was to mark life’s progress. She remembered everyone’s birthdays, including her own.
- She was vivacious, with an enormous sense of fun. She had a fabulous wit, loved to laugh, and found humour in the most mundane.
- She was passionate and intelligent, and liked to debate and discuss.
- She knew how precious life was, and as a result engaged in life full throttle. She understood how to make moments matter, and then held them dear to her heart.
- She had a love for culture. She had enormous pride in contributing to the renaissance of the AGO and ROM.
- Her perfect day was a ride on her bike, a dip in water and some sunshine on her body.
- She was elegant, with a distinct personal style and beauty.
- She loved to dance.
- She didn’t covet a large amount of material possessions; rather, just a few things of quality and meaning.
- She had a great sense of place, and was equally home in Hamilton, Kingston and Toronto.

UPDATE: Read more tributes to Catherine here: http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/tributes.cfm?o_id=635052&fh_id=12177&s_id=CE9E7BAB263055CF8620E9F5008FB698

Now at Peace

It is with devastating sadness that we announce together that Catherine passed away early this morning. Catherine fought her disease as she lived her life, fearlessly, refusing to give up until the very end.

A visitation is planned for Tuesday, June 8 at Friscolanti Funeral Home (43 Barton St. East near James) in Hamilton from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.

The funeral will be held at St. Eugene's Roman Catholic Church (232 Queenston Road at Parkdale Avenue N.) in Hamilton on Wednesday, June 9 at 10 a.m.

We encourage everyone to share their memories with Catherine on this website, so that we may mourn collectively and celebrate her life together.

UPDATE: Read Catherine's obituary here: http://www.lifenews.ca/thespec/profile/100322--ciavarella-catherine-ann

UPDATE: Catherine's obituary in the Kingston Whig-Standard: http://yourlifemoments.ca/sitepages/obituary.asp?oId=398147

Home at last!

Catherine was finally released from hospital on Friday after 19 days! She had a few painful procedures while there but is hoping they will help manage some of the symptoms that are making her uncomfortable. The new oral chemo that she is taking has a major side effect of fatigue. Cathy is extremely exhausted, weak and unable to do much right now. She appreciates the good wishes but needs privacy and quiet at the moment. Her mom has been by her side for the last week or so which has been a wonderful support to Catherine.

2 Weeks in Hospital is Too Much!

Catherine is still in hospital while the doctors try to figure out how to relieve her symptoms and achieve a fluid balance in her body. Feeling pretty fatigued, uncomfortable and frustrated -understandably so. Catherine is not feeling up to visitors or talking on the phone. On the bright size, CC looks surprisingly good with her supershort hair as it starts to grow in.

Fiesty

CC is still in the hospital, but doing OK. She almost headed home today, but it was decided to do another minor procedure, which should happen over the next few days. Fingers crossed she will be home for the long weekend.

CC has assumed (resumed?) a new fiesty spirit, which is great to see. She has been asking questions non-stop to her doctors and is fully engaged in her treatment. All-in-all her hospital stay is making her more comfortable.It is tough going for sure but every now and then she has been letting fly a few zingers, as is her way.

Back in the Hospital

Unfortunately, CC has been admitted to hospital again for a few days for some minor procedures. As she deals with these next steps in her recovery, she would like to thank everyone for their concern but asks people refrain from visits and phone calls.

Back on Track

CC has begun the next stage of her treatment as of last night. In preparation, we had a couple of appointments yesterday followed by a trip to the drive-in at McDonald's for dinner.  We shared some fries and had a nice drive home with the windows down, soaking up the fresh air on a beautiful spring day.

Barb drove CC to Burlington on Friday, where she enjoyed a two-night visit to her brother's and helped celebrate her newphew's birthday. Otherwise, CC has been been building her strength in anticipation of this round of treatment while staying in constant contact on her new iPod.

I hadn't seen CC in a while and I must say she was looking good. Fingers crossed that there will be no major side effects as we enter into this phase!