In memory of

Catherine Shih Chao Wang

December 12, 1932 -  March 21, 2023

Dr. Wang was born in Shanghai, China in 1932 to Chuan-Pi Wang (father) and Fung-Ying Lok (mother), the youngest of six children.  She studied medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, completed her residency in pediatrics in Montreal, and then did research fellowships in neonatology in the United States (Pittsburgh and Boston). She returned to Montreal for a long and successful career as a pediatrician, as an attending physician at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Lakeshore General Hospital, and in her private practice. Her contributions to McGill University were respected and she proudly maintained her faculty relationship. She was beloved by many of the children she treated, and their families, seeing multiple generations in the same family, and staying friends long after the children grew up. 
She was staunchly supportive of family.  She was a mentor, a favorite aunt, and confidante to her many nieces and nephews. When she retired, she moved to Toronto to be closer to family.
She had a sharp and curious mind, a great wit, excelling at puzzles and games of all kinds, and she was fond of detective novels. In addition to mahjong, she enjoyed playing bridge competing at a high level. Like many of the family, she was a life-long dog lover, from protecting the family dog in Shanghai, to her several companions in Canada (an Irish setter, standard poodles, and a miniature poodle).
At the age of 90, she was still living independently but became increasingly ill over the course of two months, ultimately diagnosed with an incurable lymphoma. There was sufficient time for some of her family to see her before she passed peacefully in her sleep.
She is survived by twelve nieces and nephews, ten grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and one great grand-nephew. The family is grateful for the care and devotion of her caregiver, Michelle. A private funeral will be held with a celebration of her life later this year.

Guestbook 

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Gordon Wang (Nephew)

Entered March 25, 2023 from Napa, California

Aunt Catherine inspired and taught me many things. She had a very high social IQ and she would explain why she approached people the way she did, so it was more than just observation. She was thoughtful, resilient, charming, and kind but also had a strong will, confidence, and pride. It made for stimulating exchanges and caused me to consider my own rationales. I will miss her greatly. Her memories and conversations will stay with me for a lifetime.
With much love,
Gordon

Lorne Vineberg ("Such Good Neighbours")

Entered March 31, 2023 from Toronto

To Catherine's Family & Friends,
My family had the great fortune of being Catherine's, and her helper, Merlie's next door neighbours in Toronto for many years. She had a wonderfully sharp mind and wit, and was appreciative and generous. It was a privilege to be welcomed into her life, not least for delicious, home-cooked Chinese dinners, and to have her attend our family occasions. We talked dogs, convertibles, politics, government and family. She spoke proudly of the ones we met: Richard, Elaine & Peter, and their two children – Jeffrey and Erin, if memory serves. Catherine loved and mourned her siblings. She was reverent and proud of her Chines heritage, customs and discretion. She loved her dogs better than she trained them. She had a great laugh and helped us look on the bright side of things. We were never able to get enough of her, especially during COVID. She allowed us a couple of visits in the lobby of her building, and despite her mobility deteriorating, her mind and spirit never changed. We shared a delicious lunch in her home the day before her 90th birthday which I was not supposed to know about. She kept her counsel and I was too afraid to let her know I knew. She looked great but wouldn't allow a photograph. Michelle brought her comfort. Not long after, she said that she felt unwell and had lost her appetite. We kept checking in by phone, until there was no longer her hearty Hello. In losing her, our family has realized how dear she was to us, how much she meant to us and how much we loved her. We had hoped to say good-bye at her funeral, grieve with the mourners and talk with the family. We will cherish her memory as the extended family she was to us. Her memory will surely be for a blessing.

Michael Rotholz (Catherine's Optometrist)

Entered April 12, 2023 from Toronto

I am so sad to hear of Catherine's passing. She first came to see me when she moved to Toronto and we connected right away on our respective Montreal, West Island histories and our health provider careers. She was a warm and friendly woman and always so appreciative of everyone who helped her in my office. I know the last few years were difficult as her health declined, but even at her last visit, she remained positive and had a smile. I am greatful that I got to know her and will miss her annual visits.

With heartfelt condolences,
Dr Mike

Tom Ochiai (Friend, children were patients, Jason & Robyn)

Entered May 25, 2023 from Martintown, Ontario

One of the most impressive individual I’ve had the pleasure to know. To have a trusted physician for your children is priceless. She was one in a million.

Linda Georges (she was the doctor of my children in Montreal)

Entered June 29, 2023 from Guelph, Ontario

We adored Dr. Wang. I still have the handwritten cards she gave me when I was a new (scared) mother guiding me along. She was just the best. So careful, so thorough and she really, really cared a lot for her patients. I was so so sorry to hear of her passing.

Photos 

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