Catharine MCKENTY

CATHARINE MCKENTY (nee Turnbull Fleming) September 20, 1930 - January 22, 2021 Catharine was born into the Fleming family of Toronto, to Victoria and Walter Turnbull. She grew up at Donlands Farm - Toronto, and Sandy Cove - Lake Simcoe, both belonging to her grandfather R.J Fleming, Mayor of Toronto, first elected in 1896. She was an honours student at Bishop Strachan School, and graduated in English from U of T. Forever outgoing, curious, and adventurous, Catharine set out to see the world and find employment. In the '50s and '60s, Europe was home to multilingual Catharine: she travelled, worked, volunteered, translated and thrived with the many friends she made. Her vast experience took her to Los Angeles where she was Research Editor for PACE, a magazine featuring youth making their mark in the world. Returning to Toronto she became a speechwriter, then met and married Neil McKenty. Neil was recruited as a talk-show host by CJAD in Montréal. After moving, they became completely enamored with their new life, living through the 1976 Olympics, the Québec referendum, and the ice storm! Cath and Neil wrote Skiing Legends and the Laurentian Lodge Club. Neil was bipolar and as a couple they and friends stood together to encompass Neil's reality. Catharine wrote Riding the Elephant: survival and love with a bipolar partner, a message of hope for those dealing with mental health issues. She also spent seven years on and off in Northern Ireland, researching the Fleming family and its emigration to Toronto, via Montréal, in the 1850s, and culminating in her book Polly of Bridgewater Farm. Catharine deeply believed in family ties, laughter and the universe conspiring to help when you take on an impossible task. She died peacefully in her sleep. Donations to Fulford Residence, 1221 Guy, Montréal, QC, H3H 2K8