With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to our dear daughter Catherine, who left us far too early. It’s hard to find a spirit as free as hers.
Catherine arrived on Easter Sunday, April 3rd, 1988. Her mom Valerie, dad Bruce, and big brother David welcomed her into the world with joy. She was eager to join us that Easter Sunday, and she carried that same enthusiasm throughout her life.
Growing up in Millidgeville, Catherine formed lasting friendships, especially with her cherished ‘neighbourettes’. She graduated from Saint John High School in 2006, where she participated in various activities like basketball and soccer. In 2010, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree and later completed a degree in Environmental Engineering at Dalhousie University.
Catherine spent several years working as an engineer in Western Canada, which allowed her to indulge one of her greatest loves: skiing. Although the mountains called her westward, the ocean always brought her back home for summer vacations to enjoy another passion-sailing. Alongside her brother, she sailed the Bay of Fundy and along Nova Scotia and Maine’s coastlines. Catherine loved exploring the globe and made many friends along the way; numerous relationships lasted a lifetime. Despite having ‘allergies’, she adored animals and adopted several cats over the years.
Catherine grew up at the Royal Kennebeccasis Yacht Club-a passion likely passed down by her parents since they had her on a boat before she turned one month old. She took sailing lessons there and eventually taught many others how to sail. Racing dinghies brought her joy; twice she was chosen to represent New Brunswick at the Canada Games in the single-handed Laser Radial class. She also competed internationally on keelboats in events such as those held in France and participated in the Newport to Bermuda Race.
The family would like to express their gratitude towards the emergency responders and staff at Saint John Regional Hospital for their care and kindness during Catherine’s last days. Thank you all so much. To our family and friends-your love and support have been everything; we couldn’t have managed without you.
Arrangements are under Fundy Funeral Home’s care located at 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB (506-646-2424). A celebration of Catherine’s life will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at the Royal Kennebeccasis Yacht Club from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. We invite everyone to come share their memories of Catherine.
In honor of Catherine’s kind-hearted spirit, donations may be made in her memory to either the RKYC Learn to Sail Program or the Saint John Community Food Basket-where she recently volunteered. Donations for RKYC can be sent via e-transfer to office@rkyc. ca with a message saying ‘Donation to RKYC Learn to Sail on behalf of Catherine Richards’. Donations for the Saint John Community Food Basket can be made through their website www. saintjohnfoodbasket. org.
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