CATHERINE INGLIS Obituary
(née Godward, August 10, 1947 - December 3, 2025) It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Cathy Inglis, who left us surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Paul; her children, Kevin (Lynn) and Shannon Gilleland (Phil); her cherished grandchildren, Samantha (Mark Anthony), Bryona, Keira, Jaden, and Jared; her sisters, Diane de Escobar (Jose Antonio) and Nancy Grimble; and her brothers, David (Joanne) and Bruce. Cathy leaves behind a legacy deeply rooted in love, laughter, and family pride. Born in Toronto to Herbert and Lois Godward, she grew up in Willowdale, where her lifelong devotion to family and community first flourished. She attended McMaster University, where she met Paul - the love of her life - beginning nearly six decades of partnership filled with warmth, adventure, and unwavering support. Together they raised a family and built lives shaped by Cathy's passion for teaching and her genuine curiosity about the world. Her teaching career began at Komoka Public School, just west of London, Ontario. She later taught at Le Phare French Immersion School and then at Henry Munro Middle School in Gloucester (now Ottawa), before moving to Erin Mills Senior Public School in Mississauga. Though small in stature, Cathy embraced the challenges and joys of teaching Grades 6-8, making a lasting impact on countless students. Among colleagues and friends alike, she was known for her constant smile, which brightened classrooms, hallways, and every room she entered. Cathy cherished the simple pleasures of life: taking long walks, tending her beloved garden, reading, and spending peaceful hours outdoors at her home in Mississauga - her favourite place to be. Christmas held a special place in her heart; she filled her home with tradition, warmth, and magic. She also adored visits from Jasper, Shannon's beloved dog, who was always greeted with treats, affection, and Cathy's gentle company. Her years at Newtonbrook High School fostered a lifelong love of classical music. A skilled pianist and French horn player in the school band, Cathy delighted in music throughout her life. She was also a natural organizer and enthusiastic participant - whether golfing weekly with her "girls," serving on the Mississaugua Golf & Golf Club golf committee, attending Probus events, organizing a weekly ladies' bridge group, or contributing meticulous notes to not one but two book clubs. Above all, Cathy was profoundly proud of her children and especially her grandchildren. She celebrated every milestone, cheering with joy as they each grew into thoughtful, kind, and remarkable people. A loyal and spirited supporter, she could always be found rooting for the Blue Jays, Buffalo Bills, Oakville Rangers, and Ohio State Buckeyes. Cathy and Paul shared a love of travel, capturing their adventures in her beautifully crafted "Blurb" books - from Australia to the Baltic to the Caribbean. Her greatest joys, however, were the annual family vacations to Jamaica, Cannes, the Algarve, and destinations closer to home in New Jersey or Delaware. Cathy gave generously of her time and energy to the causes she believed in. The Cathy and Paul Inglis Family Foundation will continue to support programs that improve juvenile health, ensuring that her commitment to helping others lives on. Cathy will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A celebration of life will be held on May 24, 2026, at Mississaugua Golf & Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. To view and sign the guestbook, visit the Arbor Memorial website.
Published by The Globe and Mail from Dec. 31, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026.