Catherine Isabel Geiger passed away on May 16, 2009 surrounded by her children, the love of her life, Donald, and good friend Linda. She was born Catherine Isabel Schaefer on December 29, 1945 and from that day her presence was a blessing upon the world. Catherine had a very special way of brightening the lives of everyone with whom she interacted. She did this in her marriage, of almost 21 years, to Donald Geiger and poured her love into the lives of her children, Dianne Dungey, Denise Wamsley, Deborah Wamsley, James (Paula) Wamsley, Dana (Willis) Mahood, Ben (Karen) Geiger, Tana (Brendan) Guyitt, Kaleb (Chantelle) Geiger, and Darda (Brad) Sales. She was their biggest cheerleader and who they turned to for a listening ear, a great hug and loving support. Her grandchildren, Tom, Steven, Robert, Kate, Jake, Sam, Kaylee, Evan, Kamryn, Silver, Lana, Aeva, Kennedy-Raine and great grandchild, Aurora, will miss her sweet way of spoiling them and her enthusiastic zip for life. Catherine, the beloved sister of Olive Ropchan, Al (Doreen) Schaefer, Carl (Jean) Schaefer, and Russell (Kim) Schaefer, was also a very caring, sensitive friend to many. Her fun sense of humour was a genuine gift. Catherine was a fabulous teacher, amazing cook, avid shopper, true golf lover and fervent book worm. Catherine and Donald enjoyed their time travelling, dancing, and dining together. Her expertise on computers led her to helping many people through teaching and consulting. When Catherine was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer, in 2004, she quickly became an active leader of the London and District Myeloma Support Group, involved in fundraising, advocacy, and awareness. Her strength and courage was an inspiration to the group. She excelled at encouraging others, listening to their stories, and being an informative resource. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses in the Critical Care Trauma Centre, Hematology department, and all the staff at Victoria Hospital in London for the care and attention they gave her.
A Memorial Service celebrating Catherine’s life will be held Saturday May 23rd at 2:00 pm at the Zurich Mennonite Church at 37818 Zurich-Hensall Rd., Zurich, ON. Catherine has participated annually in the 5 km Walk/Run for Cancer every October in support of the Princess Margaret Hospital.
It was near and dear to her heart and in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9. Please designate your donation in cheque memo to Multiple Myeloma Research
GEIGER: Catherine Isabel
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Haskett Funeral Homes
Condolence From: Kim
Dana and Family
Words cannot even begin to express my sympathy for you right now, my entire family sends their deepest condolences. Remember to lean on your friends for strength during this time and know that you are always thought of and cared for. Keep your memories close to your heart and treasure them always.
Kim
Condolence From: Chuck & Tanya Erb
On behalf of Tanya and I, we want to extend our Deepest Sympathy to you Don, and all the Family. Cathy was Truly a Special Lady, and Cherished Everyone in her Family. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
Chuck & Tanya Erb
Condolence From: Jim and Donna Hoffman Bill and Joan Hoffman
Our thoughts are with you and your family Don at this very difficult time.
The Hoffmans Jim Donna Bill and Joan
Condolence From: Adam Jay
Tana, Kim and I are very sorry to hear about your loss. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May the peace of Christ rule in your heart (Col 3:15).
Condolence From: Steven Bongelli (Denise’s Partner)
For Denise’s family:
Letter from Heaven
To my dearest family some things I’d like to say
But first of all to let you know that I arrived today,
I’m writing this from Heaven. Here I shall dwell with God above
Here, there’s no more tears of sadness. Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me and He said “I welcome you,
It’s good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone,
As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you are part of my plan
There’s so much that we have to do to help our mortal man.”
God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do
And foremost on the list was to watch and care for you
And when you lie in bed at night, the days chores put to flight
God and I are closest to you . . in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth and all those loving years
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears
But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
1 wish that I could tell you all that God has planned
If I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand
But one thing is for certain though my life on earth is over
I’m closer to you now than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
When you’re walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind
I’m walking in your footsteps, only half a step behind
And when it’s time for you to go . . from that body to be free
Remember you’re not going . . you’re just coming here to me.
Condolence From: Denise Wamsley (daughter)
Mom always saw or found a better way of being. She never lost sight of the ability we all have, and she always believed that each of us would become the best that we are able to become. And she encouraged it. She was our energetic cheerleader and even when you completely lost your way, Mom was always there to guide you on the way back. She never ever gave up on a single person in her life, ever. It’s as simple as that. She just found the good and ignored the bad. It could be hard living up to her expectations, but as I recently read, the more people expect of us, the more they think of us. And Mom never thought anything less than the best of every person in her life. And what a legacy that is. I am a very proud daughter and know that I can say for my siblings as well, that Mom was a creator, a nurturer, and most importantly, a believer.
I miss her so very, very much.
Denise
Condolence From: Joe and Angela Crummey
On behalf of Tana and Brendan Geiger’s church family, The Meeting Place Church in Fredericton NB, we would like to send our thoughts and prayers to all the family. Sorry we cannot be present with you at this time, but we are thinking of you, especially over the next few days. We pray you will all know God’s presence and peace.
Love from, Joe and Angela Crummey
and your TMP family.
Condolence From: Holt Sivak
I’m so sorry for your loss Denise. I hope that you can find some peace as you progress through the painful process of saying goodbye to a parent. In my experience, the whole journey is both raw and surprising… and goes on for as long as it needs to. Be good to yourself.
Best wishes,
~holt~
Condolence From: Shelley Adams
Denise – so sorry to get this news!! I hope you are treating yourself well and keeping all the senses open to feel her presence, hear what others have to share and see what a difference she has made in all of your lives.
Much love, Shelley.
Condolence From: Chris Sadeler
Dear Denise! I am so very sorry to hear your mum passed on. I had a vague memory from some years ago when she was first diagnosed with cancer but then had lost the picture. Your obituary really paints it for me and how many people she had in her life as well as her clear aplomb for going forward when many would just have given in. My heart is heavy for you. I think losing your mother is one of the greatest tragedies and one we should never have to endure until we can be assured we managed to squeeze all the years out of the person that gave life to us. But it sounds like she was not one for counting numbers but rather for counting blessings and life moments. I hope you find some comfort in that.
Chris
Condolence From: Diane Moore
Hi Denise, Words cannot express my deepest sympathy and empathy for you, Kate and the rest of your family. After reading your mother’s obituary, I am sorry I never had a chance to meet her. What an incredible woman! I now understand where your many strengths come from. All I can say to you at this time is to hang in there. The hurt never ever leaves….but always remember that she will always be close by you…just pay attention. You may pick up the scent of her perfume, hear a favourite song….whatever triggers a memory of her – will be her way of letting you know she is close by. Diane
Condolence From: Rose & Paul Mailloux
Hello Denise; What a touching and inspiring tribute to your mom. It is amazing the strength that she had in spite of such a trying time in her life. She was blessed with a wonderful family too! It really is a shocker how ephemeral our life on this earth is. The only difference we can make is how we rise to the challenge that life brings to us and how we touch others in our daily sphere of contacts whether that be family, friends, or colleagues. She was truly an inspiration. Take care, thoughts ands prayers are with you. Rose
Condolence From: Heather Mitchell
Denise, I’m so sorry about your Mom. I remember how devastated you were when she was first diagnosed. She was a real Life-Force, impacting so many people whether they were family, friends or acquaintances. I have great memories of her personally from both before and after Kate was born. It’s a wonderful thing that she was given that extra time to, as you say, really live her life. But I know it doesn’t make it any easier to let her go. She has passed the torch on, to you among others. So grieve, but be proud of who she was and what she has done. The torch is also passing in my family. My Dad is dying of chronic lymphoma cancer, which has metastisized into his lungs, liver and stomach. The cancer was finally picked up by an MRI, much too late, two years after we’d noticed a dramatic weight loss. There is sadness and sorrow, guilt and anger, but also love, gratitude and finally peace.
Condolence From: Evelyn Vincent
Don and family, Sincere sympathy in your great loss. May you feel God’s strength and comfort in a real way during this difficult time. Evelyn Steckle Vincent
Condolence From: Cindy Leder
Dear Geiger Family, We are devastated by the sad news of Catherine’s passing but are comforted by the huge and meaningful impact that she had on our lives. We will never forget her sweet demeanour, her bubbly personality and warm heart. As a dedicated and passionate member of the Multiple Myeloma “M-Moving Together Toward the Cure” Team and the MM5K Walk Committee, she has left an indelible legacy. Our heartfelt condolences on your loss. Please take great comfort in knowing that there are many people who lovingly surround you in your grief. We send you strength and courage to help get you through the difficult days ahead. Catherine’s passing is an enormous loss to the MM5K Walk & Committee and for everyone whose lives she touched. Catherine, we will miss you beyond measure. Cindy Leder & Family
Condolence From: Jim & Ruth Gingerich
Don and Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. May you always remember and cherish the many happy times you shared with Cathy.
Condolence From: Mervyn and Maureen Agar
Donald and family, Our thoughts are with you today and always. Cathy was a joy to know and made the life of many of us better because of her happy smile and love of life. She always brightened the day whenever you saw her. She will be missed.
We are so sorry for your loss. Wishing you our deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Ken Palen & the staff at Kenpal Farm Products Inc.
Condolence: James & Paula; Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Condolence From: Trevor Parker & Rita Scott
Tana & Brendan, on behalf of Trevor and I, our condolences to you and your family at this time. I’m sorry we cannot be with you, but pray that the peace of Christ will reign in you and the joy of the Lord will be your strength. You will be in our thoughts and prayers over the coming days. Love, Trevor and Rita
Condolence: We were deeply saddened to hear of Cathy’s passing. our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Condolence: Darda & Brad: Our thoughts are with you and your family. Love always, Reg, Marn & Nathan
Condolence: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Condolence: Donald and Family, We pray this tribute to our friend Cathy brings hope to others.
Condolence: All of you are in our hearts.
Condolence: We are all so luck to have had such a Special Lady in our lives. It’s not how long we are here on earth, but how we use the time we have. The Dash. Catherine certainly lived life to the fullest.
Condolence: Your family will remain in my prayers and I will continue to light Luminaria for Cathy at the American Cancer Society Relays for Life.