Obituary of Catherine Mary Leah Whyte
Catherine Mary Leah “Mitzi” WHYTE – St. Catharines
Nov. 10, 1932 to Jan. 6, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we share the peaceful passing of Catherine Mary Leah “Mitzi” Whyte on Jan. 6, 2022 in her 90th year.
She is predeceased by her parents, Eric and Anna Mills, and brothers Tom, Ernie, Jamie and Brian.
Mitzi was the loving wife of Dr. William Robert Whyte for 66 years. Proud mother of Bill (Elaine) Whyte, Patti Whyte, Cathy (Lorin) Pressé, Sandy (Larry) Jones and Jill (Daniel) Greben. Doting grandmother to Zack (Taylor), Jesse, Graeme, Nicole (Justin), Michelle (Tyler), Michael, Alexander, Rachel and Jon, and great grandmother to Henry and Callie, with a third due in June.
Born on Nov. 10, 1932 in Noranda, Québec, Mitzi moved to Sarnia in 1945. She graduated from the Ontario School of Nursing in Kingston in 1954 and went on to work as a registered nurse at the Ontario Psychiatric Hospital.
It was in Kingston that she met the love of her life, which was a committed relationship from the beginning. Mitzi and Bob married on Nov. 19, 1955 in Ottawa and eventually settled in St. Catharines, where they lived in the same home for 59 years. It was here that she became a self-taught gourmet cook, avid gardener and red wine connoisseur. The front porch was a favourite spot, where she enjoyed many mornings with a cup of coffee while listening to the birds, and many evenings with a glass of wine. We will always remember her kindness, generosity, wisdom, quick wit and sense of humour.
Most commonly known as Nana, she was also known as The Boss, and often reminded younger family members of her cop connections when needed. She loved nature walks, hiking, fishing (she always caught the biggest fish) and her beloved cats. She also loved travelling across Europe, Canada and the United States, as well as cruises in the Caribbean. More than anything, she loved having her home, yard and pool filled with family, especially during the holidays, where she would always decorate beautifully. Her nine grandchildren often playfought over who loved her, and was loved by her, the most. None of them were wrong. She could not be more loved, admired or missed by her family.
As Nana always said when we left, “Au revoir et bonne chance,” until we say hello again. In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, donations to the Alzheimer Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
