Katherine Louise Moynihan passed away peacefully on January 22, 2019 from metastatic breast cancer at the age of 53. Her daughter and husband were by her side holding her hands. Katherine was the much-loved wife of Geoffrey Burrows and doting and very proud mother of Helena Burrows. Katherine was predeceased by her mother Vanda Moynihan (nee Bertolo) and is survived by her father James Moynihan. She was the loving sister of John and Kevin Moynihan and adoring Aunty to Daisy and Hanora Moynihan and to Nicholas, Kevin, Meaghan, Christina and Glenna Burrows and Matthew and Mallory Jones. She was a devoted cousin to many Moynihans, Bertolos, Freamons and Beiths.
Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Katherine, also known as Kathy and Kate to her many family and friends, received her B.A. in Political Science from Carleton University in 1988, staying on in Ottawa to pursue a career in the Public Service of Canada working in several departments and agencies including Industry Canada, the Privy Council Office, the Correctional Service of Canada and Transport Canada.
Katherine had eclectic interests and was a passionate genealogist and avid reader, baker, needlecrafter, beader, papercrafter, puzzler, poet, writer and blogger.
After her diagnosis in October 2011, Katherine became active in several local, regional, national and international support groups for people with metastatic breast cancer. She was grateful for the support she received from these groups and was committed to helping others with the disease. Despite her illness and being in constant treatment for more than seven years, Katherine faced every day with enthusiasm, grace and dignity. Those who knew her thought her courageous but Katherine thought she was just living her life. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
A Celebration of Life will be held to commemorate Katherine on Sunday, May 26, 2019, at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa, Ontario, K1L 8A6. Family, friends, and neighbours are welcome to share memories and stories.
Katherine’s remains have been cremated and will be interred partly at Beechwood Cemetery with the remainder being scattered at the Moynihan family farm in Shountullig, County Cork, Ireland.
Donations are welcome to the following causes: Stand Up to Cancer; Rethink Breast Cancer; and Hospice Care Ottawa. Flowers are also welcome.
Digital Guestbook
Cheryl Moynihan
J. Badgery (staff member at Colonel By SS)
We in the Colonel By SS family are all so sorry for the loss of Lena's mum. Our thoughts have been and continue to be with your family through this difficult time.
J. Badgery (staff member at Colonel By SS)
We in the Colonel By SS family, are all very sad for the loss of Lena's mum. Our thoughts have been and continue to be with your family.
Thank you for always being a kind and loving sister in law. You are loved and missed.