Catherine Mary Grubb

Catherine Mary Grubb of Mildmay passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Chapman House Hospice, Owen Sound, in her 87th year.

Beloved mother of Paul (Jean) of Walkerton, Ron (Lillian), Dennis (Janice), both of Mildmay, Kevin (Sandra) of Neustadt, Terry, and Steve (JoAnn) both of Mildmay, and Lori (Gary) Weber of Elmira. Catherine loved and cherished her 29 grandchildren and 52 great grandchildren. She will be missed by her siblings Anna Oehring of Walkerton, Harvey Beitz of Durham, Florence Fischer of Hanover, Eugene (Edna) Beitz, and Lorraine Schnurr, both of Mildmay, Jerry Beitz (Janet Pratt) of Hanover, brother-in-law Harvey Huber, sisters-in-law Jean, Rose, and Diane Beitz, and many nieces and nephews.

Catherine was born and raised outside of Mildmay.  Growing up with her parents in a family of fifteen, being smack dab in the middle of thirteen siblings proved to be an asset and challenge at the same time.  At the young age of 6, her mom taught her to knit scarves to keep their chin and face covered as they walked a mile and a quarter to school.  Catherine got along with all her siblings and valued that they remained close as they moved away from home to raise their own families. 

In 1955, Catherine married the love of her life Lorne.  Together they farmed and raised seven sons and one daughter outside of Mildmay.  Her faith was very important to her, and she passed on her beliefs to her children through many life lessons along the way, her strength and energy never wore thin.  She milked the cows, helped with harvest, as well as maintaining the garden for canning to be in place for all her future home cooked meals.  Catherine enjoyed baking and was always happy to have helping hands in the kitchen.  

Her passion was sewing, Catherine hand made all their clothing, blankets and quilts. Eventually making clothing took a back seat and quilting became more interesting to her. Her creative talent personalized each quilt she made.  She began buying quilting material only and in no time her stash of materials grew.  She always enjoyed the challenge of trying a new pattern and loved to teach others how to sew as well.  Catherine was known not to waste material and always found a place to use up her scraps.  Not only did she have the talent for sewing, but she was also a well-respected judge for many local fall fairs.

Family was very important to Catherine, she loved having a big family and there was always room for more at her table.  As the children grew up and got married, Catherine’s wish for a big family continued to grow.  With 8 children, 29 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren and a whole lot of in-laws to complete her family, Catherine was proud of each one of them. 

She spent hours and hours crocheting sweaters and hats, knitting baby blankets, sewing christening gowns, and making quilts for all her family.  She has made more quilts than we can count over the years, for family, friends and customers to treasure.

When Catherine and Lorne left the farm and moved to town, she found herself a job at Wendt’s, where she took pride in dusting and displaying the shelves in the gift shop.  She loved the staff and serving the customers.

Catherine’s faith was her strength, and she showed her family the importance of loving, caring and supporting each other.  She encouraged a family tradition of having homemade burgers after Sunday Church.  She was very present in all her family's lives, making sure to be at birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms and weddings.  Family gatherings were her favorite and she loved nothing more than when everyone was together for a meal on an occasion. Her door was always swinging open and closed from company.

Catherine touched everyone who came into her life, her many friends and family will miss her smile and loving heart. 

Catherine is predeceased by her husband Lorne, son Carl, grandsons Mark and Greg, siblings Theresa Huber, Mel Beitz, Dave Beitz, Clarence (Nora) Beitz, Lorne Beitz, George Beitz, brother-in-law Bill Oehring, sister-in-law Caroline Beitz, Helen (Jerome) Bastian, Irene (John) Fudger, brothers-in-law Leander and Jerome Grubb, and her parents Anthony and Johanna Beitz.

Friends and relatives are invited for visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Cameron’s in Walkerton. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Sacred Heart Church, Mildmay. Reception to follow at Knights of Columbus Hall, Walkerton.

Private family interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Mildmay.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Saugeen Hospice or Heart and Stroke would be appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences may be made online at www.cameronfuneralhomes.com