Obituary photo of Catharines Van Helsdingen
In Loving Memory of

Catharine Gertrude Van-Helsdingen

1967-2023

Obituary of Catharine Gertrude Van-Helsdingen

It is with sad hearts that we announce the loss of our dear sister Catharine Gertrude Van-Helsdingen on the early morning of Wednesday, February 8, 2023. She loved being a nurse for many years and helping others. Cathy (fondly called Gertie) was born March 16, 1967, the daughter of William Van-Helsdingen and Mary Frances Van-Helsdingen nee Kennedy (both deceased). She was also predeceased by her life partner Salvatore Paonessa. Cathy is survived and loved by her sisters Rosemarie Auld, Barbara Van-Helsdingen (Lynn Tippetts), and her brother Peter Van-Helsdingen (Rosalee Zemen), mother-in-law Giuseppina Paonessa (the late Domenico), sister-in-law Mary Paonessa, nephews Steven, Christopher, and Michael and niece Makayla.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Scapular Church, 6557 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls, on Friday, February 17th at 1pm. A private family interment will take place at a later time at Fairview Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Online condolences may be shared on Gertie's tribute page found at EssentialsNiagara.com.

You will be the angel watching over us forever more! We love you more Gertie.

Service Information

Funeral Mass

Date: February 17, 2023
Start Time: 1:00 pm
End Time: 2:00 pm
Venue: Our Lady of the Scapular Church, 6557 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls
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11 Condolences
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Karen Manion
1 year ago

I went to school with Catharine and everyone knew about the wonderful Van Helsdingen Family. Thoughts and prayers for Catharine’s transition to the great beyond.

Lina Salvatore
1 year ago

To: Peter, Rosalee and family
I am so sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you. May God comfort you as you grieve.

In loving memory ...
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Rosamaria Tropea
1 year ago

To Peter, Rosemary and Barb
We are truly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are are with you and your family during this difficult time. from the Tropea family

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Kevin Delaney
1 year ago

We’ve lost another Loretto “Saint”. So sad. God bless you, Cathy.

Anne Jackson
1 year ago

Sending our condolences to family, Cathy will forever be in our hearts. She always had a smile. May she RIP love Annecand Breanne

William Gillam
1 year ago

Our deepest condolences Peter, Rose Marie and Barbara.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
There have been many wonderful memories, that will always be cherished.
Love to you all.

Bill and Denise

Serrah Carlucci
1 year ago

I will forever miss you and your smile and laughter .. our queen! R.I.P

paul macisaac
1 year ago

My dear friend in elementary school and high school. I will miss you, you were always so very nice. I know we have lost touch over the years, but you will always be in my thoughts.

Trish Godin
1 year ago

Sending heartfelt condolences and hugs to the family 💕🙏

Dean Kennedy
1 year ago

Please except our deepest condolences from both Dorri and I.
We were both shocked at the sudden passing of your sister Cathy. OUR prayers are with Rosemary, Barb and Peter and family at this very sad time.
I rember some great times growing up and visiting your family so many good memories we all have of her.
RIP Cathy you and Sal can now have a wonderful eternity together again

Dean and Dorri
Kennedy

Michelle & Rob Reid
1 year ago

Rosemarie Barb Peter and families. Rob and I are so very sorry for your loss. You all have such great memories to hold onto and cherish. Keeping you all in ur thoughts and prayers. RIP Cathy

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Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
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