Obituary of Cathy MacPhie

Mary Catherine MacPhie (Née Drake)

It is with heavy hearts, and a profound sense of love and gratitude, that our family announces the passing of Mary Catherine MacPhie (Cathy), who left us peacefully on February 16, 2025, at the age of 84.

Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and dear friend, known for her warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm for life. She touched the hearts of all who knew her and will be dearly missed.

Born to Laurence and Mary (Latimer) Drake on November 5th, 1940, Cathy grew up in Toronto’s Lawrence Park community with her younger brother Peter (Judy). In her early years, she made wonderful life-long friends at St. Clement’s school, and Trinity College at the University of Toronto. 

In 1968, at a garden party, Cathy met Robert Henry MacPhie, a charming young professor from the University of Waterloo, whom she would soon call “her Bob.” They married in July of 1969, and so began a love story that would last a lifetime. Cathy was a devoted mother to Hugh (Michelle) and Laurence (Laura) of Toronto, and David (Colleen) of Baltimore, Maryland. Her pride in her husband, children and ‘daughters-in-love’ knew no bounds. Cathy will be dearly missed by her six grandchildren: Jackson and John; Emily and Beatrice; and Julian and Gabriel. She was also cherished by her nephews, cousins, and extended family, all of whom knew her as the unifying force that strengthened our family bonds.

In 1971, Cathy and Bob moved to Meudon, France, to support Bob’s sabbatical year at the Observatoire de Paris. This marked the beginning of many international adventures, including time at Stanford University in California, the Université de Provence in Marseille, France, and in Hong Kong.

Cathy enjoyed an exceptional career as an educator, beginning as a high school teacher at Riverdale Collegiate Institute in Toronto, and later at Cameron Heights Collegiate in Kitchener. After taking time away to raise her three boys, Cathy returned to teaching in 1987, this time in the primary system of the Waterloo District School Board, where she taught at Hillside Public School (formerly A.R. Kaufman), Mary Johnston, and Rockway Public schools. She will be fondly remembered by colleagues and the many students she impacted throughout her career.

Anyone who knew Cathy understood what it meant to be welcomed with open arms. Ever the host, she never missed an opportunity to throw a party, and there was always room for one more at her dining table. Gatherings on Maple Hill Drive were legendary. Cathy believed that every gathering, no matter how formal, should be multi-generational, reflecting her determination to support the growth of children.

Cathy’s warmth will be deeply missed by many – her fellow teachers, “The Bridge Girls,” her P.E.O. sisters, and close friends from her Gourmet Group and the University of Waterloo community.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Schlegel Centre at University Gates and the personal support workers from Warm Embrace for the exceptional care they provided in recent years.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Fireside Reception Room. In keeping with Cathy’s love of hosting, light food and drinks will be available during the visitation. The funeral service will take place in the chapel of the funeral home on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 10:00 a.m, with reception to follow. A private family interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Etobicoke.

Donations in Cathy’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or St. Mary’s Hospital in Kitchener, through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or via www.erbgood.com