Cathy Chapin

The family of Cathy Ann Chapin sadly announces her passing at Toronto's St. Michael's Hospital on October 8th as a result of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident earlier in the day near Newmarket, Ontario. She was visiting her father and sister's family near Barrie. Cathy came into this world on April 16, 1961, in Peterborough, Ontario, the eldest of two daughters born to Shirley and Hugh Skeldon. She was raised at the Skeldon home in Bridgenorth overlooking Lake Chemong. From an early age Cathy showed a talent for art and she shared her mother's love flowers and gardening. Under the tutelage of her mother, she became an award-winning 4-H homemaker. Her artistic talent eventually led her to Sir Sandford Fleming College in Lindsey, Ontario where she obtained a diploma in cartography. During her college years Cathy worked summers as a canoe ranger at Killarney Provincial Park on Georgian Bay. Shortly after graduation she moved to B.C. and took a job with MacMillan Bloedel at Nanaimo. Later, Cathy returned to park work, taking a position at Little Quallicum Falls Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. In August 1987, she met a ranger while visiting Olympic National Park in Washington with her parents. After a whirlwind courtship, much of it fishing for salmon on his cruiser, Patrick Chapin and Cathy were married on December 23, 1987 in Peterborough. Pat and Cathy lived in Seattle until September 1989 when she accepted a position with the Geography Department at Lakehead University. A year later they purchased their family home at 25 Leys Street and the following year their first child, Jessie Alexandra was born. Four years later a son, Wesley Reed, joined the family. By the time Wesley started school he was diagnosed as high-functioning autistic. Cathy became devoted to caring for both her children. She enjoyed travelling, gardening, berry-picking, and fishing. Learning about autism and participating in fund-raising activities became a focal point in her life. Cathy was a delightful person, always smiling with her twinkling blue eyes. A careful listener and compassionate, she had a way of warming the hearts of everyone who knew her. She will be sadly missed, especially among the Lakehead University community. Cathy is survived by her husband and daughter at the family home in Thunder Bay. Cathy's sister, Gwen and her husband, Ron Bennett, and their children Jamie, Hayden, and Gavin, reside in Barrie, Ontario. She is also survived by her father, Hugh and his wife Flora McDougall of Peterborough. Numerous other surviving relatives include her uncle Russ Fendley of Orillia, her husband's three brothers, Mike, Scott, and Phill Chapin from Montana and Washington; and a cousin Tom Fendley and his wife Shawn. Cathy was predeceased by her mother, Shirley, in 2002 and her son, Wesley in December 2009. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 15, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church (Pearl Street) with Rev. Mary Lucas presiding. The interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation for friends will be held on Thursday, October 14th from 5-8 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 N. Court Street. Memorials in Cathy's name may be donated to Autism Society of Ontario, Thunder Bay Chapter or Wesway.On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com. "