Dedicated to the memory of Catherine Wilkinson

This site is a tribute to Catherine. She is much loved and will always be remembered, passing on 15th August surrounded by her family at the Hospice of St Francis. 

Catherine was the beating heart of our family; generous, kind and a great sense of humour. She leaves three loving children Ollie, Hattie and Immy and husband Simon who were at the centre of her world; she gave everything and thank her for being in our lives. Catherine provided us so much adventure, fun and love, encouraging us to go for it!

know her as a friend, often 'catching up', socialising and organising the next time round. Even at work Catherine was a friend first above being a colleague and respected for her nurturing style. One of her legacies is retaining contact with so many people from over the years.  

The last year has been very challenging for us, first finding out the cancer diagnosis in September 2022 after a several rounds of tests and procedures. Chemotherapy started in October and not without its complications from the start. This continued to be the pattern going forward. It felt like a dark game of snakes and ladders with trap doors week after week, with no good news in sight. Catherine had five spells in hospital totaling two months over the period, eventually feeling like a slow motion car crash.

The Hospice have been excellent in support of these final moments as a family, whether this is the nursing staff, catering team and the amazing gardens. Whilst at the Hospice Catherine did manage a cocktail party (or two), a visit to Ashridge and had numerous visitors. She retained a positive attitude and glass half full view on her situation throughout. 

Please fill this site with your love, contributing a story to share, a thought or photo. Donations to the Hospice are welcome too. 

 

The family are grateful for the many contributions, those who have sent condolences and attended the funeral on 5th September 2023.

 

*The home page photo is from the Kendal Calling festival 2022; we danced, drank and sang.

Memorial Service for Catherine Wilkinson

Final Details

Funeral Service is on Tuesday 5th September 2023 at 2:00 pm, at St John the Baptist Church, Great Gaddesden.

The Service is to reflect and celebrate the life of Catherine and person we all identify with.

Parking for the Service is at the Garden Centre at the junction of Pipers Hill and Leighton Buzzard Road as noted below.

 

Reception

All attending the service are encouraged to attend the Reception afterwards at the Marchmont Arms, Piccotts End.

Sandwiches, canapes and refreshments shall be laid on for all attending. Come along share stories, say hello, raise a glass and meet again. There is a limited free bar. 

 

Overnight Stay

For those who are looking to stay overnight Travelodge at Wolsey House, Wolsey Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4TU, United Kingdom  Tel:  08719 846036 is recommended, its the closest to the Marchmont Arms if you are also having a drink.


A private cremation for family shall be held in the morning.

Dress Code - For the morning the preference is dark and smart, with a splash of colour, in celebration of what Catherine often wears. People are welcome to join in with this theme for the afternoon although it is an individual choice.

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Thoughts

I’d like to thank all the many, many, people who have supported the family over the last year. We are coming to terms with loosing Catherine/ Mum and the huge void it leaves. Whilst at times I have felt heartbroken and deflated, I realise I am coping well now, I feel a whole lot better. It’s largely thanks to the messages, friendships and lots of welcome distraction's. The children have been remarkable too. The milestones in their lives keep coming and they are relishing these challenges as they grow in to young adults. Some people have asked about Catherines ashes. We have spread these two times. Firstly on Mothers Day, 2024 over Berkhamsted Common, and latterly with the wider family at the Hodge Close mines near Coniston. Photos are now up on this site. The choice of Berkhamsted Common (What Three Words built.celebrate.second) was somewhere accessible for all, had a great view and was on a favourite walk. We felt it was important to mark Mothers Day, and not let it pass and this seemed a fitting tribute for Ollie, Hattie and Immy. The Hodge Close location came from a family get together we had planned around Catherine’s birthday. There was 13 of us all told with a long weekend in Coniston. We had a walk on the Saturday around the Hodge Close quarry and recalled it was the place Catherine and I went a couple of times to climb, complete with all the gear. The following morning we found a brilliant location; a high spot with a mature oak tree, overlooking the quarry and a beautiful view in to the Langdales. (What Three Words Magnetic.spoken.fulfilled). These both become places to visit and remember for friends and family alike. So we go forward. 15th August is later this week. It also happens to be A level Results day so we have an eye on this for Hattie. As a family we have yet to decide what to do in memory of Catherine. We have a short trip to Barcelona Monday to Wednesday, giving us some time together and decide. Further in to next month I look forward to a 16 mile charity walk organised by Catherines work friends. It’s on Saturday 7th September along the North Devon Coast, near Lynmouth. Details of this to be added to this site soon, and get in touch of you care to join us.
Simon
11th August 2024
Miss you so much Sis. I so want to talk to you, to laugh with you, to cry with you. Life is worse without you xx
Mig
19th March 2024
you lived life so beautifully an example to us all which makes your passing all the more cruel
5th September 2023
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The Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted
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