Catherine CHERRY

Catherine Louise Cherry (nee Bergin)
1919 - 2015
It is with deep sadness that Catherine's family announces her death on November 25, 2015. Kay was born in Saskatoon on October 6, 1919 and lived all her life in Saskatoon. She attended Buena Vista elementary school with her brother Don and her sister Isobel, a short walk from her family home on Lorne Avenue (which her father built). Her parents were James Bergin from Dundee, Scotland and Harriet Stuart from Aberdeen, Scotland. After graduating from Nutana Collegiate, Kay enrolled in the University of Saskatchewan. Kay (nicknamed "Fuzzy" by her teammates) was an exceptional athlete, and played on the basketball and track and field teams for the Huskiettes. She received a Major Athletic Award in 1941 and was inducted into the Athletic Wall of Fame at the U. of S. After graduating with her B.A. in 1942 and her Teacher's Certificate, Kay went to teach school in Chaplin and Lumsden, and at Saskatoon Technical high school. In 1942 she married Douglas Cherry (who later became the Dean of Arts and Science at the University). The pursuit of Doug's postgraduate degrees took Kay and Doug to England after the war and Toronto. Upon their return to Saskatoon, Kay resumed her teaching career at Saskatoon Technical and City Park high schools. Kay became a full-time mom for a decade after her son Donald was born in 1955 and her son David in 1958. Kay's love of schools and education led her to become a secretary at Victoria elementary school for almost 20 years. She retired in 1986, and during her retirement had an opportunity to travel with her dear sister Isobel throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe. Kay was predeceased by her husband Doug, her sister Isobel and her brother Don, and is survived by her sons David (Janice) and Don (Margaret), her grandchildren Angus, Hannah, and Katrina, and her nieces Catherine, Linda and Leslie. Kay was a socialist all her life and believed firmly in the dignity of all people. She had a marvelous curiosity about people, and was extremely generous. She gave so much, even in her later life when her health declined. It gave her great pleasure to hear recently from a new resident of the Franklin, a retired professor, how much he and his wife enjoyed the parties that she and Doug hosted at their house on Ewart Avenue. Kay was a very fun person and embraced life. She loved ideas and political debate. Kay was a big jazz fan, and as late as last year at age 95, attended a concert at the Bassment. Kay touched so many people in her life, and her spirit will live on through her family and friends.
"Her granary is full,
And the harvest's done."
A Come and Go Tea to remember Kay will be held at the W.A. Edwards Family Centre at 333 – 4th Ave. North on Tuesday, December 1 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The Tea is being arranged by the Saskatoon Funeral Home (306-244-5577).