Catherine Mary (Purcell) Jamieson

Vaughan, Nova Scotia – It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Catherine Mary [Purcell] Jamieson in the loving presence of her family on April 9th, 2024, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Catherine was 61 years old.

Catherine was predeceased by her father Murray Purcell and siblings Cheryl [Purcell] Cudmore and Tim Purcell.

Catherine's legacy extends beyond her immediate family as she leaves behind her mother Lorraine [Corbin] Purcell, partner James Parsons, son Alexander Korbutiak [Katie McArthur], daughter Danielle [Jamieson] Rankine [Jeremy Rankine], nieces Emily [Purcell] Crocket [Greg Crocket], Jessica Purcell, and Candace Sanford, cousins Natasha [Purcell] Farrell and Shay Farrell, who will always carry her memory in their hearts. She also leaves behind her beloved border collie Molly, as well as many relatives and friends from Nova Scotia and Manitoba.

Catherine was born on a cloudy midsummer day on June 14, 1962, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Catherine was the middle child of Murray and Lorraine Purcell. She was a loving sister to Tim Purcell and Cheryl Cudmore. The Purcell family would relocate from Halifax to Brooklyn, Nova Scotia when Catherine was five. It was here that Catherine joined the Avon Pony Club, competed in the Prince Phillip Games, and discovered her love for all things equestrian. Catherine would continue with her love of horsemanship later in Winnipeg with her horse Ariel. The Purcell family further relocated to the Falmouth, Nova Scotia area five years later where Lorraine and Murray would settle down.

Catherine moved and put roots down in Winnipeg, Manitoba in her late teens. It was in Winnipeg that she first met and then married Roman Korbutiak. Shortly thereafter they were blessed with the arrival of their first child Alexander Korbutiak in 1983. Years later Catherine would remarry to Kenn Jamieson and they would welcome Danielle Jamieson in 1987. It was during this time that Catherine's brother Tim and his partner Roberta Sanford also re-located to Winnipeg to be near her. The out-of-town pair would bring daughters, Emily and Jessica, into the fold in 1991 and 1995. Catherine developed and maintained a close bond with both of her nieces and helped raise them as if they were daughters of her own. Many wonderful and loving decades were spent in Winnipeg with Catherine and Tim’s families intertwined before making the journey homeward to Nova Scotia shortly after the passing of their father Murray.

Catherine moved back to Nova Scotia with Danielle and settled in Falmouth with her mother Lorraine in the late 2000's shortly after Tim and his daughters moved back to Nova Scotia. She would enjoy passing her free time there with photography, gardening, and her dog Molly. Catherine could often be seen rummaging around her garden in the extreme hours of the night with nothing but a vision and a lantern. In her later years Catherine would enjoy many stints between Ottawa and Falmouth. It was in Ottawa that Catherine would go on to meet her partner James Parsons.

Catherine's passion for business and entrepreneurship led her on many journeys of creativity and innovation throughout her life. Catherine started in Winnipeg as co-founder of Crosstech Software, a software development company, before moving on as co-owner and vice-president for Perth’s Drycleaners. She would move on to various projects over the years after discovering her true passion for photography and art. Catherine would go on to create and run Utata Gallery and Art Centre as well as Makers Studio and Art Market in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Catherine's creative spirit also found expression through her multiple published works as an author and photographer, inspiring countless individuals with her unique perspective on life.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Catherine's warmth and kindness touched the lives of many around her. Catherine's love for her family and her generosity were unwavering. There was no problem too big or family member too small that she would turn away. She was a beacon of strength and resilience for many around her. Her unwavering love and support were a source of comfort to her family and friends during difficult times.

Though Catherine's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to shine brightly through the memories we hold dear. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Catherine lived her life as Gordon Downie sang "looking for a place to happen, making stops along the way".

Respecting Catherine's wishes, there will be no public memorial service or funeral.

The family would like to thank Palliative Home Care of Nova Scotia, including but not limited to the Doctors, VON Nurses, and home support staff for their compassionate and attentive care of our beloved Catherine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, 5826 South St, Halifax, NS B3H 1S6.

Rest in Peace Mom.

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