Catharine Powell

Obituary of Catharine Felicity Powell

Catharine Felicity Powell (nee Russell)Born December 17, 1932, Felicity spent most of her life battling adversity with unwavering determination and passed away peacefully on Saturday January 21, 2017.Daughter of Dr. Welford Russell and Ruth Rodger, Felicity was born in India where she contracted polio at an early age, leading to complications throughout her life. These and numerous other medical issues, including cancers, were always faced with stoicism and resolve. Despite it all she raised five children as a single mother and led a successful career in Toronto as a leader at The Ontario Heart Foundation, Foster Parents Plan and the North York Red Cross. Felicity was often known as “Flip” to her friends and co-workers. She loved her pets, playing piano, cooking curry dinners for the family, watercolour painting and the sunshine. She was also known to enjoy a “drinkypoo” or two.Proud to be her children are Alan (Monique), Robert (Maureen), Russell, Heather, Joanne (late Claude) and Stephen (Theresa). She leaves 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She was recently predeceased by her sister Margaret “Peggy” (Halischuk/McQuirk) and brother Malcom who were loved dearly. Felicity's final years were spent at the Kingsway Lodge in St. Marys, ON, and the family give heartfelt thanks to the staff for their care and friendship. They also express their gratefulness to Dr. Kim Gilmour for her wise counsel and compassion.As Felicity wished, cremation has taken place with interment to occur at a later date.Donations in her name to any of the above-named organizations or to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
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