Obituary of Catherine Anne Voakes McLean (née Jolliffe)

Born August 2, 1955 and from that moment, faced the world on her own terms.

She was born at the Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario to parents, Donald Jolliffe and Kathleen Hunt (Neff and Johnson) who were there to greet her on the other side. Cathy grew up in Harrietsville, Ontario and was the baby of 5 siblings. She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Linda Ford. Cathy also had 3 half-sisters that she was aware of but didn’t have the opportunity to know. Cathy was widowed by husband, Theadore Voakes and later married Stewart McLean. She was a strong spirited and loving mother to 3 children: Trina Hibbs (Richard), Jason “Jay” Voakes (Melissa Hilton) and Theodore “Ted” Voakes as well as 2 grandchildren Richard “Richie” and Joyce Hibbs. She always enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren whether it was attending school activities, going for nature walks, or to a movie. They meant the world to each other and were a great source of love and support. Cathy was also the matriarch of her extended family and will also be missed by several nieces, nephews and her many lifelong friends.

Cathy was a lifelong learner who returned to high school and then started her nursing journey at the Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology (formerly Mac College of Nurses) where she graduated in 1995. Cathy was a Registered Nurse with the Niagara Health System in the areas of geriatrics, nursing home care, medical-surgical units, emergency, and palliative home care until her retirement in the spring of 2017. Her continuing education coursework was voluminous over her nursing career and beyond. She started her degree at D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY in 2001 however after the events of September 11th, it became even more challenging as a cross-border student, and she was only able to complete her first semester. Later she acquired certifications in Reiki as well as Eden Energy Medicine, hypnosis, trans channeling, self-development and death doula training.

Cathy was an exceptionally spiritual person and could see the beauty and meaning in nature and animals. She was the kind of person that people would seek for advice, as she knew just the right question to ask or say to make you feel wholly accepted. She could help you to reframe any challenge into the lesson that you were intended to learn. This was the grace that she showed even until her passing on October 15, 2021. Cathy was fire. She lived well and will be deeply missed by all that had the fortune of being in her presence.

In keeping with Cathy's wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services (905 354 2133)

Until we are together again, think only of the love that was shared.