Catherine Jane Dauphinee

Catherine Jane (Morash) Dauphinee

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Catherine Dauphinee on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Shoreham Village surrounded by family. She was the only daughter of the late William Albert and Gladys Belle (Boutilier) Morash. Born in East Chester on March 16, 1935, Catherine spent her life in the community close to her loved ones, who were with her as she passed on January 14, 2024.

Although sometimes the target of their teasing and fun, Catherine was cherished, supported, and protected by her three older brothers: Leaman, Murray, and Gerald. With the loss of her mother at the age of 18, Catherine’s bond with her father became even stronger, lasting until his death in 1972.

Catherine attended schools locally before attending Queen Elizabeth II High School for her final year. She then completed a secretarial course at the Maritime Business Academy before embarking on the adventure of working in downtown Halifax, making the commute daily from East Chester by bus.

It was during these daily commutes that Catherine caught the eye of Harley, a tall, handsome, young man from Boutilier’s Point. They wed on September 12th, 1959. Harley joined Catherine at her family home in East Chester, where they lived happily and grew their family with the addition of their two daughters, Heather and Margo. On June 14th, 1970, Catherine lost the love of her life when Harley suddenly passed away.

After raising her two daughters on her own, Catherine began a new chapter when she returned to the workforce. On April Fools’ Day, 1985, she joined the team at CanExel, becoming the voice of the East River hard board plant as she worked the switchboard.

Family was Catherine’s greatest source of pride and joy. That family grew with the marriage of her eldest daughter, Heather to Kirk, and later with the birth of their two children, Heidi and Bryan. Catherine loved being “Nannie”; spending time with her grandchildren and sharing in all their many accomplishments and life events.

Her capacity for love knew no bounds, so it was not a surprise when Catherine joyously embraced the role of step-grandmother after Margo met Rick and his three children; Joshua, Marcus, and Gavin. She was particularly amused when Santa visited Chester Shore Road after a lengthy absence for a chaotic early morning MacMichael family Christmas in 2015.

After her retirement from CanExel in 2001, Catherine began a second career as the local “Avon Lady”, assisted by Heidi and then her niece, Sheila, who Catherine thought of as another daughter. Avon was the perfect outlet for the social Catherine, who could strike up a conversation with anyone. This also made her a skilled fundraiser and seller of raffle tickets, which many in Chester will remember. Others in the community benefitted from her baking skills: from All-Bran bread to cinnamon bread to ginger cookies. Family, faith, and community were all important to Catherine. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Catherine is survived by her daughters Heather Collicutt (Kirk) and Margo Dauphinee (Richard MacMichael); grandchildren Heidi Collicutt (Alban Neves); Bryan Collicutt (Ashley); Joshua, Marcus, and Gavin MacMichael; her sisters-in-law Iris Gillan and Shirley Dauphinee, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Catherine was pre-deceased by her parents; husband Harley; her brothers and their wives (Leamen and Marguerite; Murray and Amber; Gerald and Betty); her sister-in-law Marilyn (Dauphinee) Kennedy; brothers-in-law Duncan Dauphinee; Blaine Kennedy; and John (Jack) Gillan.

The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, caregivers and, lastly, the wonderful, caring staff at Shoreham Village for their kindness not only to Catherine but to her family during her stay.

Visitation will be on January 18th from 4pm to 7pm at R. A. Walker Funeral Home, Hubbards. Funeral service will be held on January 19th at 2pm at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Chester with Pastor Virginia Cookman officiating. Interment will follow immediately after at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery. Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery Society.