Catherine ‘Cathy’ Anne Burns

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Catherine (Cathy) Burns on February 28, 2022. She passed away peacefully following a brief battle with breast cancer.

Cathy had many endearing qualities including her ability to brighten up a room with her friendly smile, quick wit and engaging and inspiring personality. However, most of all she will be remembered for her giving and loving nature towards her family, friends and everyone that came to know her. That same abundance of love and appreciation was apparent in her relationship with her horses, her beagles and more recently with all the deer, birds and other wildlife that she so thoroughly enjoyed at her residence overlooking the Thames River in Kilworth.

Everyone that knew Cathy admired her energy, drive and no-nonsense commitment to getting things done. She grew up on the Bellamere Farm in Hyde Park, was a member of the London Pony Club and became a very accomplished equestrian rider at an early age; having competed across Canada, the USA and in Mexico. She went on to pursue a career in nursing at Sarnia General Hospital before returning to London to start a family. Cathy was an active member of the London Art Gallery and Museum, served as Secretary of the Women’s Golf Program at the London Hunt Club, worked in advertising for CJBK Radio and later as an Ontario Court Justice of the Peace. During the latter part of her career, she focused on her passion for real estate and became a successful realtor, investor, contractor and property manager. Cathy returned to live in the Hyde Park area several years ago with her husband Ole and was a regular patron at Unger’s Market in Hyde Park and the Little Beaver and Hillside restaurants in Komoka, where she routinely enjoyed the company of friends and neighbours. She will be dearly missed by so many.

Cathy was predeceased by her parents William and Alberta Burns, her sister Nancy Barnes and her beloved husband Ole Norgaard. She is survived by her brothers Bob (Daphne) Burns and Sandy (Marie) Burns, sons Charles (Kaye) Organ and John (Norval) Organ and daughter Katie Organ. She was the adored grandmother of Erin, Ian, Catherine-Anne, Alexander and Julia. Cathy will also be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

A gathering to celebrate Cathy’s life will be held at Bellamere’s (1260 Gainsborough Road, London) on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Cathy are asked to consider the Humane Society of London & Middlesex or Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre.