September 21, 1929 – April 27, 2020 –
at the age of 90 years
Catherine Ruth Jameson (nee Jackson) died peacefully on April 27. She lived her entire 90 years in Salmon Arm. Cathy was born in the Salmon Arm hospital in 1929, the youngest child of 7 of George and Hetty (Syme) Jackson and their only child born in Canada. The Jackson family homesteaded in the Mt. Ida valley. Cathy grew up in a large extended family and close-knit community. She attended Mt. Ida school from grade 1 – 8 then high school in Salmon Arm. Travel those days was by horse and buggy and for Cathy, a 14-mile round trip on bicycle to attend high school in Salmon Arm.
Cathy worked at the Salmon Arm Farmer’s Exchange after high school until the time of her marriage- married women had to leave their jobs in those days.
Cathy married Clancy Jameson in 1950 and together they raised their 5 children: George, Linda, Laura, Don and Cathy Ann. She was the quintessential wife and mother of those times; running a busy household, keeping a big garden, canning, baking, and supporting her children in their various activities. She and Clancy built and maintained a truly happy home where unconditional love, compassion, playfulness, kindness and service were part of family and community life. The family enjoyed camping, swim meets, sports, and many summer days at Shuswap Lake.
Cathy was suddenly widowed at 47 and had to carry on her life without Clancy. She enrolled in a Home Support course at the Kamloops college and then worked for Salmon Arm Home Support for 18 years. Cathy began her international travels in 1978; her first trip was to England, Scotland and Europe with her sister Tina Bartman. Other trips included Mexico, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, China, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Cameroon, Ireland and Bali. Cathy took up downhill skiing in 1978 and enjoyed many days at Silver Star with her good friend Alice Broeder.
In 1985, Cathy met Ralph Davis and together they travelled, skied and went into business together. They operated a fruit delivery/sales business, travelling with Okanagan fruit to sell in northern BC. Next, they built a fruit stand in Sicamous and operated it until 1997. Ralph died in 2017.
Cathy was an enthusiast for life. She said ‘yes’ to new experiences and maintained an open mind and a kindness for others. She enjoyed many local trips with her extended family and hosted family dinners. She was an enthusiastic Canucks and Raptors fan. She joined the local lawn bowling group and the Mt. Ida Historical Group and helped compile the book, The Many Faces of Mt. Ida.
Shortly after Ralph’s death, Cathy moved to Andover Terrace and subsequently to Hillside Village in 2018. She enjoyed the activities and loving care at Hillside Village, Andover Terrace, and the professional care of Dr. Laura Hepburn.
Cathy maintained her kindness and sense of humor until the end. As life’s memories slipped away, Cathy always remembered her children, their partners, the grandchildren and great grandchildren. There was no doubt of her love. Family was at the core of Cathy’s being.
Cathy is survived by her sons and daughters: George (Jan), Linda Fraser (Ian), Laura (Murray), Don (Patti) and Cathy Ann (Dave); her grandchildren: Ricci, Glen (Jennifer), Angus (Emma), Katy (Curtis), Alison (Amos), Shana, Sam (Jami), Max, Andrew, Emma, and Laura; six great-grandchildren: Ana, Callum, Tobin, Eli, Luthor and Kylor. Cathy is also survived by her cousin Alan Syme and many nieces and nephews.
We feel the ache of loss but also love and gratitude for Mom’s life and all that she gave us.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
When I read about Cathy’s passing the first thing I thought of was her great smile. It did not matter where you were, or who you or her were with she always took the time to chat and catch up. She is one of those people who is forever etched in my childhood memories as just being there. She was a lady in every sense of the word and I for one will always remember her with great fondness. All the best to you and your families as you turn this corner your lives.
Chapters of our lives close with the passing of people like Cathy. I had the real treat of working with Cathy in Home Support for many years. She was one of those people who lit up the lives of all she touched. My condolences to her family.
My condolences to the Jameson family. My fondest memories of your Mom was at our many swim meets in the past and her warm and calm nature in spite of all the rugrats running crazy. She lived a full life that I am sure will provide many great memories in times to come. Thinking of all of you.
Dear Jameson Family. It is with sadness I read of your mom’s passing. She was a kind, wonderful lady, always ready for a quick visit in the grocery store to catch up with family happenings. My fondest memories are of the endless days around a swimming pool somewhere, and the odd Sunday morning visit to the house where she would feed us pancakes. I will always remember how when she smiled it lit up her face. I know she will be greatly missed. Love to you all. Karen (Green) MacKintosh
It is wonderful to read of all your mom’s adventures. Cathy was an elegant, intelligent and kind woman. Her children and grandchildren are evidence of her warm personality. Our love to Don, Patti, Max and Sam and all your family.
We are very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was always so nice and will be dearly missed. She must have been an amazing mother and role model. Remember all the happy times and be grateful for time spent together. I think of my Mom often, now it’s with a smile. Take care of each other. Love from Art, Audrey & family
Our condolence to all of Cathy’s family. She was a beautiful lady with an awesome smile and there for anyone. our thoughts to each of you at this time of reflections, laughter, tears and a lifetime of memories that you share. Jerry & Debbie Jones
I too had the pleasure working with Cathy in Home Support for many years. She was loved and respected by co-workers and clients. Debbie
To the family of Catherine Jameson. I was very sorry to hear of your mother’s death, especially at these times. I didn’t know Catherine but I do know some of you children and you are a testament to what a wonderful person she was. You have been fortunate to have had her in your life for such a long time. Bless you all. Amy Huppler
I was sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing. I met her when I started working at Shuswap Home Support and she was a truly wonderful person. Very kind and caring and also someone to look up. My thoughts are with the family at this time.
My thoughts are with you all in the Jameson family. Growing up in Salmon Arm means that I got to know so many of the longest living residents. Cathy was a great lady and I always enjoyed our short conversations over the years. She was always kind and thoughtful and gracious. My thoughts are with you all. Cathy will be missed by many, many people.
My sincere condolences to all of Cathy’s family. She was a wonderful person with a very kind heart & I always enjoyed chats with her & attended a number events & interactions over the years of working with Shuswap Home Support. Sweet memories!