In memory of

Henneke Cats

August 7, 1955 -  May 4, 2020

Dear friends,

With great sadness, we let you know that our beloved daughter, sister, sister-in-law and aunt, Henneke Cats, passed away peacefully at home on May 4, 2020. As a family we are deeply saddened, but we are thankful for all Henneke has given us during her lifetime. We are also grateful for the support, warmth and loving messages from so many of her friends and colleagues; this has given Henneke and us much comfort over the months. Henneke was a deeply caring, generous, engaged and compassionate person. She received no greater joy than giving of her time to help others along life’s path. Her family and friends meant the world to her, and each person was truly special in her life.

There will be no service due to the pandemic but we will all come together in better circumstances to celebrate Henneke’s life and to honour her memory. Her generous financial support of the Bruce Trail Conservancy has created the Hanna and Pieter woods of the Bruce Trail. Named for her beloved niece and nephew, this piece of the trail is a beautiful legacy for future generations. Henneke wishes that we all come together for the inauguration of the trail: to have fun, to appreciate nature and music, and to strengthen the bonds between us all. We will provide details of the event at a future date.


With heartfelt gratitude,
The Cats family.

Guestbook 

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Meagher Family (God Son, God Daughter, Friends)

Entered May 9, 2020 from London

Henneke has been a kind and loyal friend to Mike and Jackie and a wonderful Godmother to Bobby and Steph. She had such a range of interests and talents, from exploring the Great Canadian Outdoors, to playing classical flute with both small and large ensembles, to guiding business leaders on how to better market their products. The memories she created for our family will be part of our lives forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with her father, sister, brothers, and their families.

Sue Wilson (Worked together at P & G)

Entered May 12, 2020 from Guelph

I had the pleasure of working with Henneke when she first arrived in Canada. She was a genius to work with, but like anyone in a new country, had a few things to learn about her new home. For example, when she got her apartment in Toronto, her Dad came over to help her settle in. They were disappointed with the lamps that they purchased because the plugs would not fit into the sockets. So Henneke's father meticulously filed down the larger of the 2 prongs on each plug so they could get the lamps on. When Henneke told us, my husband showed her how Canadian plugs were designed, and informed her that they just needed to flip the plug around to get the grounding prong in the correct side.

Over the years, I heard Henneke retell this story with humour, wonder and humility. These three characteristics, in addition to being a genius, contributed to her success both professionally and personally.

Eugene Dubejsky (Worked together at P&G)

Entered May 17, 2020 from Mississauga

May she rest in peace and harmony. From a friend and fellow worker at Procter and Gamble (many years ago)

Delaine Hampton (Long Long Friend)

Entered May 20, 2020 from Toronto

It is impossible to put into words what makes Henneke such a beloved friend and member of my extended family. She has made her mark on my husband, children and grandchildren through her honest caring and marvellous ability to be really present with each of them. Her pure joy in friendship, nature and music have been infectious and inspiring. I am truly grateful to have been her friend for more than 30 years. Together we debated new theories, critiqued great theatre, hiked energetically through forests and shared many wonderful meals. I will miss her sorely and will cherish the beautiful memories.

Katie Hampton (friend)

Entered May 20, 2020 from Kitchener





I will always remember Henneke as someone who made you feel special every time she met you. A beautiful hugger, and so completely "there" when talking to you. She always listened intently, asked questions about your life, about your interests and really cared when you gave an answer.
Her passion for music was evident and it was so nice to have an in-depth conversation with her and talk shop about her groups and performances.

Our kids have fond memories of Henneke as well. At the cottage this past summer she observed Harmony making cookies and told her she was "so good at that, so wonderful". They also have great memories of her dancing at the "dance party " on the deck at the cottage and being so fun to play Rummikub with.

I was looking through some keepsake letters from the kids’ birthdays and baby showers recently. I came across the card that she had sent along with her gift of a bear snowsuit for Finn, thinking ahead to the winter when he had grown out of all his shower gifts and it brought tears. His little cousin now has that suit… She was always so thoughtful.

I know she was such a dear friend to my Mom. It was one of those special friendships that enrich your life and are truly meaningful.

She will be missed by so many whose lives she touched.

Photos 

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