1982 -2026
With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of a dear wife, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, colleague, and friend – Dr. Katherine Tamminen from Toronto on February 8th, after a brave year-long fight against cancer.
Katherine was born on December 26, 1982. As the younger sibling in her family, she spent her childhood on the outskirts of Thunder Bay, Ontario. She had many happy moments growing up-playing in mud puddles with her older brother Kyle, catching lambs in the barn, cuddling with Sasha, the family dog, building snow forts, and hiking or cross-country skiing with her close friends in the nearby woods! Her passion for nature continued throughout her life as she honed her photography skills while traveling around the globe for both work and pleasure.
Diving into her teenage years at Hammarskjod High School in Thunder Bay, Katherine participated in various school activities. She played in the school band (the harp being a favorite instrument at home) and enjoyed time spent with many peers who became lifelong friends. Graduating with Honors from the French Immersion program equipped her with a “joie de vivre”, strong curiosity about life and enough determination to tackle everything-from academics to learning new knitting patterns or mastering delightful baking recipes.
While attending Lakehead University in Thunder Bay for her undergraduate studies, Katherine met Chad Bedore. He quickly captured her heart and became not only her partner but also the love of her life. Married for 15 wonderful years together filled with adventures like traveling, hiking fishing and camping trips often spent visiting Doris and Bryce Bedore-Chad’s parents-in Lakefield Ontario for weekends surrounded by nature.
Katherine earned her Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Psychology from Lakehead University (2003), followed by a Master’s degree in Physical Education and Recreation specializing in Sports Psychology (2007). Later she pursued a Doctorate in Physical Education and Recreation Psychology at the University of Alberta (2011), worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the School of Kinesiology at UBC (2013), then completed another Masters in Education focusing on Counselling and Psychotherapy at University of Toronto (2020).
In 2013 she joined the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at University of Toronto as a professor specializing in Sports Psychology; just recently she was promoted to Associate Dean of Graduate Education. Katherine gained immense respect among colleagues along with international acclaim due to groundbreaking research related to stress management coping strategies emotional processes within youth sports focusing specifically on adolescent athletes. She played an essential role establishing Sport Performance Psychology Lab within Uof T; additionally being known as prolific writer sought-after researcher exploring areas including sports psychology stress coping emotions youth sports research methodologies.
A true lifelong learner herself-Katherine tirelessly sought ways not just to learn but also give back generously towards undergraduate graduate students junior faculty larger academic community alike showcasing remarkable dedication sharing expertise helping others succeed! Just one week before untimely departure saw Katherine fulfilling supervisor duties diligently attending graduate student’s doctoral defense right from home!
Katherine is preceded by father Donald George Tamminen (2003), paternal grandparents Donald Hilja Tamminen(Kainulainnen), maternal grandparents Leo Paul Marcelle Savaria respectively leave behind loving husband Chad Bedore brother Kyle Tamminen mother Micheline Tamminen along with numerous extended relatives uncles aunt cousins scattered throughout Canada beyond borders too!
The family extends heartfelt thanks towards those who have shared supportive messages notes filled encouragement coming from friends family members colleagues students mentees loved ones received following passing away moments ago! Instead sending flowers please think about contributing donations scholarship fund set up under name honoring Catherine established within Faculty Kinesiology Physical Education Uof T more details forthcoming once available options are finalized! Donations made memory can also be directed towards Canadian Cancer Society (https://www. cancer. ca).
The family wants express sincere appreciation staff members working Princess Margaret Hospital providing extraordinary kindness diligent care received during challenging journey dealing cancer battles faced head-on!
A Celebration Of Life ceremony will occur both locations-Thunder Bay Toronto respectively details forthcoming future dates ahead!
Catherine has left behind lasting impact array accomplishments through lives impacted cannot be overstated truly missed deeply remembered forever fondly cherished memories live long through everyone lucky enough know personally!
