Obituary of Catherine Pearl Van Den Eynden

Catherine (Cathy) Pearl (Canning) Van Den Eynden, age 66 of Stellarton, passed away Friday, May 2, at the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital with her devoted son, Jacob, by her side. 

Cathy was born October 18, 1958, at the Aberdeen Hospital to the late Dorothy (Chisholm) and Russell Canning.  Cathy was born into a large family, the sixth of an incredible nine children.

Cathy’s younger years were spent on the affectionately named “Flat", a small area on Dufferin Street, Westville. Her siblings were her friends, and friends were her family. Her days were spent playing baseball, picking blueberries or just “hanging out”. The Lays, Greens, McNutts, Camerons, MacKays, Horne's and Cannings were a tight-knit group. Here, Cathy learned to value friendship and simple happiness over money. 

Cathy’s favorite times growing up were centered around music. She loved writing songs, playing guitar, and singing country music.  Her favorite duet partner was her mom, and their voices and laughter could often be heard throughout the Canning household. Cathy was a woman of many hobbies, including karate, woodworking, cake decorating, painting ceramics and, in recent days, diamond art. 

Cathy attended Westville High School and Pictou Regional Vocational School, where she obtained her secretarial diploma. While at PRVS, Cathy initiated a monthly article that appeared in The Evening News. She shared noteworthy events from around the school and always ended with an uplifting quote. Her family was proud and excited to read her articles.  More recently, at age sixty, Cathy attended a journalism night course at NSCC and set out to write a bestseller. Although Cathy did not get to complete her book, her son Jacob has promised her that he will finish it. 

Cathy used her secretarial education working at the Town of Westville, Central Supplies and Pictou Regional School Board.  Cathy made a career change within the school board and found her calling, becoming a bus driver. This was an occupation she loved dearly. Cathy knew all the children by name, and each was special to her. 

Cathy was predeceased by her husband, John. On their first night, she played guitar at Diamond Jim's and a handsome man yelled "Nancy" from the crowd. Later that evening, on her way out, he tapped her on the shoulder and she found out she was that "Nancy". Not long after, they would marry. It was a true marriage at that. Brother Chet made sure she was making the right decision. On the way to the church, he put the car in park on the top of West Street and looked her right in the eye. He said, “now Cathy, do you want to marry this man or do you want to go fishing? Our rods are in the trunk.” Cathy shared 37 beautiful years with her beloved husband, John, forming a bond like no other. Together, they navigated life’s joys and challenges, creating a wealth of memories filled with laughter, adventure, and love. Their relationship was built on a foundation of deep friendship, family, and romance until the end. 

 Aside from her late parents, Cathy was predeceased by her sister Ruth; brothers Chet, David, and Russell; mother- and father-in-law, Antonia (Marie) and Antonuois (Tony) Van Den Eynden; sister-in-law, Debbie; brother-in-law Eugene MacLean; and nephews David Allan and Rob. 

Cathy is survived by her son Jacob (Christina) and grandchildren Charlie, Fin, John, and Eva.  She was blessed with ten precious years and countless memories with her grandchildren. She cherished every moment with them, from carving pumpkins and making pictures, to birthdays, backyard swing sets, pool parties, and sleepovers.  With her down-to-earth nature, she made her grandchildren feel accepted and loved, sharing many laughs together. Mornings filled with cartoons and cozy breakfasts will be deeply missed. Her love, warmth, laugh, and memory will live in our hearts and home until we meet again. 

Additionally, she is survived by brothers Jack (Pamela), Clayton (Donna), Donald (Susan), sister Mary Jane Marcott (Louis), sister-in-law Charlene and Aunt Mary Lays (Sandy). Nephews and nieces Jason, Vanessa, Stephanie, Michael, Jen, Randy, Chris, Kati and Christie.  Fifteen great-nephews and nieces and three great-great-nephews and niece.  Her surviving Van Den Eynden family includes Marty, Anthony (Charmaine), Gary, Anne Marie, Chris, and Elizabeth (Rob Roy), along with many nieces and nephews. 

A special thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Aberdeen Hospital in the ER department, second floor, and palliative care unit. 

The family will receive visitors at Eagles Funeral Home, Westville on Friday, May 16th, from 7 to 9 pm.  There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, May 17, at 1 pm at the Eagles Funeral Chapel, Westville with Rev. Glen Matheson officiating. A committal service will follow immediately at the Abercrombie Cemetery.

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.”