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Catherine Korol (née Mawdsley)
Catherine was born in Lacombe, Alberta July 24, 1936 and was raised by James & Phyllis Mawdsley, with her siblings, John, Jane and Ann, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Catherine attended Albert School Primary, City Park High School and then Chapman Business School. She worked as an administrative assistant until she met and married her sweetheart, William (Bill) Korol August 6, 1955. She stayed home to raise their four children, Sharon, Bill, Diane and Susan. Catherine always created a warm, art-filled and inviting home for family, friends and relatives during her and Bill’s many relocations: Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Edmonton (2nd time), Lions Bay, West Vancouver, Thetis Island and Qualicum Beach.
They also had a winter home in Sun Lakes Arizona, where they spent 25 winters with wonderful friends, playing tennis, golf and enjoying the arts. The arts were a very important part of Catherine’s life: sewing, knitting, crocheting, rug hooking, spinning, weaving, stenciling clothing, cooking and painting. She began painting lessons in Winnipeg and joined groups both formal and informal in every community in which she lived. Catherine grew in her enjoyment, proficiency and expression through her oil paintings. Family, friends and acquaintances proudly display her detailed landscapes and seascapes that capture quality of light and the spirit of place. She was truly gifted in this regard. Her other arts endeavors kept her busy and connected with community. Whether it was a crafter’s group, painting or knitting gathering, Catherine was always producing useful items such as blankets or sweaters that were sent to children in developing countries or as gifts for family and friends.
Sports were another activity which both Catherine and Bill engaged in fully and through which they made many lifelong friends. They played badminton, tennis and golf at Winnipeg Squash Rackets Club, Derrick Club in Edmonton, Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver, Cottonwood Country Club in Sun Lakes, Mount Brenton Golf Course, as well as community centres in Lions Bay, West Vancouver, Thetis Island and during their many travels.
Family and friends were the focus of Catherine and Bill’s lives. Catherine’s culinary repertoire grew from family dinners, buffets, wine and cheese gatherings to carefully planned multi-course formal dinners for a dozen or more guests. Catherine had a huge collection of cookbooks and recipe boxes containing favourite tried and true recipes, which she gladly shared. Wine, conversation, great food and music were plentiful and friends loved to gather. She will be remembered for her smile, gentle spirit and the grace with which she carried herself through life.
Catherine’s Christian faith was important to her. She worshipped and volunteered at the Anglican Church, West Vancouver United Church and Sun Lakes Community Church, though she always preferred behind the scenes roles, such as serving post-service coffee and goodies, preparation for rummage sales, women’s groups and fundraising. She made lifelong friends in these communities. She was a faithful supporter of foster children through World Vision and Compassion and she wrote letters to each one of the children she sponsored.
Other volunteer endeavors were her role on the board at the Emily Murphy Transition House and as a First Responder on the Thetis Island Fire Department. Catherine learned to type braille with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). She began this work as a volunteer, but was later hired as a teaching assistant for seven years. She dedicated much of this time to one student with whom she celebrated her graduation from high school and acceptance into university.
Catherine’s hobbies besides arts, crafts and sports included reading, gardening, playing organ and pets. The family had several cats over the years but her favourite pet was her Labrador retriever, Emma. Catherine would always stop to talk to anyone who was walking a dog.
Catherine was predeceased by her daughter Sharon Gayle Korol, her siblings and father. She died June 25, 2023 and leaves to mourn her loving husband of 68 years, William (Bill) Korol; children: Bill (Dianne), Diane, Susan (Karl); grandchildren: Shannon (Steve), Angela (Jo), Jason (Ana), Michael (Allie), Blake (Mandi) and great-grandchildren: Everett, Jonas, Trinity and Brayden. There are so many close friends and community members who will mourn her death and also celebrate her very full and wonderful life.