Obituary of Catherine Dymphna McCotter

Catherine Dymphna McCotter (nee McAloon) passed away peacefully at the Stratford General Hospital, on January 24th, 2025, in her 83rd year.

Known to her Irish family and friends as Dymphna, and in Canada as Cathy, she was born in 1943 in Enniskillen Town, Co. Fermanagh, Ireland. Predeceased by her father James, mother Rose, and younger sister Elish. Cathy was the second of six children, survived by her siblings Thomas, Bernadette, Rose, and Seamus. Cathy leaves the loves of her life, sons Stephen (Deanna), Damien, Kevin (Tara), and Niall (Kate), and her eight grandchildren, John, Declan, Seamus, Pearse, Sean, Grace, Maud, and Aengus.

Coming from humble beginnings, Cathy and her siblings were brought up in a three-room thatch cottage next to Lough Macnean. Her family were mixed farmers who grew their own vegetables, caught trout in the Arney River, and drew water from a well and milk from their cows. Cathy would often tell her boys that she had the most wonderful childhood, and never wanted for anything.

After earning a Masters Degree in teaching, Cathy emigrated to Canada in 1970, landing her first teaching job in Toronto. Cathy was married in 1971, and she and Phelim moved to St. Marys in 1975, where they raised their four boys.

A lifelong elementary school teacher of over 40 years, Cathy was passionate about education. She was known to be strict and no-nonsense in the classrooms and playgrounds, but was held in high regard for the manner in which she taught, and her ability to bring the best out of every student. She was a stickler for both the written and spoken word, in English and French, and there are no doubt corrections she would make to this dedication. Some of her fondest memories were the Grade 8 class play productions she would put on each year.

Knowing first hand the societal importance of a quality education system, Cathy was a strong advocate for the interests of teachers, spending many hours long into the night negotiating on behalf of her teachers’ union. She was also active in politics, playing important roles in many campaigns, both federally and provincially. Locally, Cathy also looked back fondly on her time with the St. Marys Community Players, often hosting the closing night after-party at her home on Church Street.

Cathy’s life was one grounded in her devout Catholic faith, being a weekly churchgoer at Holy Name of Mary Parish for 50 years. It was this deep faith that was the foundation for the person she was, both as a mother and grandmother. Her sons and grandchildren were her everything, often checking on her grandchildren saying “When they aren’t well, I’m not well.” She leaves a giant hole for her family, but a lasting legacy that they will carry with them for all their days.

Cathy asked that we ensure to acknowledge the incredible medical care she received over her final months, not only in St. Marys, but also Stratford and London. The care, compassion, and dignity she was shown by the medical professionals was beyond description, and we thank each and every one of them. Donations in her memory can be made to the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation.

Family and friends are invited to HOLY NAME OF MARY PARISH, Northeast corner of Peel St. N. and Widder St. E. St. Marys, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, for visitation in the parish hall from 10 am until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11 am.

Click here to view a video of the service.

Burial following in St. Marys Cemetery.

All are then invited to the Westover Inn to celebrate her wonderful life.