Catherine Rose (Collins) Gainey

1955-1995

Born in July 1955 to Leonard and Beatrice Collins, Cathy was the 15th of 19 Collins children. She grew up in a small house her father built in the south end of Peterborough, Ontario. Cathy worked as a cashier at the local grocery store and enjoyed figure skating and babysitting as a teen. She met her husband, Bob, at the age of 16 at a Peterborough Petes hockey game where she worked as an usher.

In 1975 at the age of 19 she married Bob, who had just begun what would prove to be hugely successful career with the Montreal Canadiens. They bought their first home in Kirkland, Quebec and would later move their rapidly growing family (Anna born 1978, Stephen 1979, Laura 1981 and Colleen 1984) to Westmount. Cathy was passionate about motherhood and took immense pleasure and pride in her family. She was an early adopter of the mini-van and embraced a life of darting to and from hockey tournaments, gymnastics, birthday parties and sleep-overs. A warm and generous person, she was often the social coordinator amongst her friends organizing parties and fundraisers.

In 1990 Cathy was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She faced this challenge with courage and optimism, inspiring those around her. In 1995 the illness would claim her at the age of 39. She is deeply missed by family and friends and remembered fondly for her beautiful smile and zest for life.