GARTSHORE, Katherine Olivia (nee Haig)

October 3, 1917 - January 22, 2006.
It is with deep sadness that the family announces the death of their mother
Katherine Gartshore, wife of Ed Gartshore who died in 2002. Katherine and Ed were
married for fifty-nine years - years full of music, teaching, welsh corgies and
hollyhocks. Katherine was the only child of Jacob and Anna Haig who immigrated from
Finland and settled in Minnesota. Mother of Tony (Mary Ellen), Leo (Patty) and
Donelda (Allen). Daughter-in-law of the late Calvin and Candace Gartshore,
sister-in-law of Donalda Price (late Roy), Doreen Butcher (late John), and the late
Dorothy Merrett (late Stan). Grandmother of 11 and great grandmother to 7.
Katherine and Ed met when they were both studying music in Chicago; she cello and Ed
violin. It was music that bound them together. Katherine was guided and driven by
her passions - playing cello, piano, and organ, composing, accompanying and spoiling
her beloved corgis. Her students will remember her as a devoted cello and piano
teacher. The string students will also remember orchestra night at the music studio,
with Katherine busily writing arrangements and transpositions as Ed conducted. This
is how we will remember her - as a kind, caring and generous woman of great spirit
and humour. Her love of learning and her open, inquisitive mind led her to earning a
Bachelor's Degree in French literature at the age of 62. The Finnish Lutheran
Church held a special place in her heart, where she was the organist and choir
director for many years. Finnish was her first language and her Finnish heritage was
a source of pride and strength. Bless her heart. Friends may call at the Northwood
Funeral Home (942 Great Northern Road 945-7758) on Friday evening from 7 pm to 9
pm. Funeral and committal service in the Chapel on Saturday, January 28, 2006 at
3:00 pm with Reverend Raija Perttula officiating. Memorial donations made to the
Ontario Finnish Resthome Association or the Finnish Lutheran Church would be
appreciated by the family.