Dr. Catherine Berry Stidsen, PhD, died peacefully on Wednesday May 18, 2022 at her cherished home ‘Oakwood’ following a short illness. Catherine and her beloved husband, Dr. Bent Stidsen (deceased 1981) designed their home to nestle into the Carolinian forest on the outskirts of Cayuga, Ontario. Catherine is survived by her brother, Donald (Barbara) Berry of California; nephew, Brian (Lori) Berry; niece Elizabeth Berry Casey and great nephews, Benjamin Duvall Berry and Nicholas Duvall Berry Though Catherine and Bent never had children, there are many of us, around the world, who feel privileged to have become part of her “adoptive” family. We have all been inspired by her "guts", her prodigious work ethic, her wicked sense of humour, her deep and challenging conversations, her abiding friendship, her faith, her belief in the power of love and the vision of a world where unity is possible. Catherine was born, raised and received grounding in her love for learning and the Catholic faith in Philadelphia, PA. She juggled work while studying part-time to complete her BSc, her Masters and finally her PhD in Religious Studies. For 30 years she shared a passion for learning with students and colleagues in the Catholic Secondary Schools of Hamilton, Ontario. In order to honour dreams that she and Bent shared for supporting learning in developing countries, from 1986-96, Catherine worked with her dear friend Bishop Leobard D'Souza to inaugurate the Nagpur Learning Centre in Nagpur, India. Her love for India was often reflected in the elegant clothes and shawls Catherine brought back from India. Following her retirement from High School teaching, Catherine unleashed her passion for community development. She was instrumental in supporting the work of the Cayuga and District Chamber of Commerce, the Cayuga Revitalization Committee and the successful launch of 2009 Doors Open Haldimand County. She was passionate about supporting Haldimand County heritage through her leadership on the Board of Cottonwood Mansion in Selkirk, Ontario. Her ability to paint stories with words captured “Good News Stories” of people and events in Haldimand County. Local citizens loved reading these stories in the weekly Haldimand Press. Of all her accomplishments, Catherine was especially proud to receive the Haldimand County Citizen of the Year award. Sincere thank you to Christine, Mandy, Gary and Darcie, who made it possible for Catherine to live out the last part of her life in her beloved home with her cast of feline companions. A special thank you to Dr Omar Ezzat and nurses at the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital and Cristina Lopes ( Niagara Caregivers & Personnel ) for her 24/7 care during Catherine's last 10 days at home and to her nurse Jenna Smith.
As arranged by Catharine, Funeral Mass will take place at St. Martin of Tours, Roman Catholic Church, 166 West Street, Smithville, Ontario on Thursday, May 26, at 12:00 pm. (visitation from 10 am until 12 noon) Cremation, followed by interment at a later date in Philadelphia. http://www.memorialstreaming.ca/stidsen
As an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cottonwood Mansion or the Cayuga Food Bank.
"Your suffering has ended, as you fought the battle, ran the race, and kept the faith. Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord."