Catherine Mary Denison

Catherine Denison passed away on March 23, 2024, in Victoria, BC, at the age of 76, two months after a cancer diagnosis that took everyone by surprise given the vibrant radiance she emanated until her final days. Or, to put it the way Catherine would, she transcended the physical plane to return to her true essence of divine light and unconditional love.

Catherine was many things to many people, but at her core, she was a survivor. As a child, Catherine spent one-year isolated in hospital with polio and emerged from that experience with a paralyzed leg and an altered worldview. She became determined to do what was considered impossible at that point in history, such as attend “regular” school rather than a school for disabled children, excel in her studies, meet the same expectations at home as her siblings, acquire many friends and admirers, and design a life for which she was truly grateful. Catherine obtained a university degree in political science having started at Loyola College in Montreal, QC (now Concordia University), and finishing at Brock University in St. Catharines, ON. She backpacked through Europe, received more than one marriage proposal, and by her mid-twenties, agreed to marry her husband of 51 years, Walter Korinowsky.

Marrying a man whose career was in theatre arts meant many exciting parties in her youth, taking in performances and making merry until the wee hours of the morning. Catherine was always drawn to the arts and all things creative, despite pursuing a more practical career path herself, so this was a fine pairing. Catherine and Walter enjoyed their marriage for seven years until they had their first child, Alexandra Korinowsky. Nearly seven years later came their son, Stephen Korinowsky, to complete the family Catherine cherished and nurtured with unbounding love.

A woman of many interests and passions, Catherine wasn’t one for boredom. She tried numerous careers before finding one that clicked—where she found great purpose and meaning—as a vocational rehabilitation consultant, helping people get back on their feet after a workplace injury. But what Catherine truly loved was to write, which she did throughout her life. Poetry, short stories, children’s fiction, and even acquiring a journalism diploma in her forties. The deeply wise, heartfelt letters, emails and online messages she wrote will provide comfort for many in moments when they wish to hear her gentle words.

Catherine was profoundly proud of her family and its storied history, and she delightedly orated these accounts to anyone who would listen. Born to Paul and Margaret Denison (Strath), Catherine was one of seven Denison children, predeceased by her beloved older sister, Mary Jane, and survived by Margie, Paul (Marilyn), David (Maureen), Teresa (Nick) and Chris (Evelyn). Catherine is also survived by her adored Aunt Eileen Hardie (Strath), with whom she shared a special connection.

The space allotted for this obituary cannot begin to hold the innumerable ways Catherine will be missed and celebrated for her legacy of love. However, as her nephew Aidan Denison put it, she will be remembered for her iconic laugh. She will always be remembered for the way she made people feel: seen, heard, accepted and loved.

A celebration of life for Catherine Denison will be held in an intimate setting at a future date yet to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation to honour the many children fighting to survive, like Catherine did as a young girl.

A poem written by Catherine Denison

Welcome

quiet blue spirit

that calmly intuits

and creates

divine harmony

peace

trust

integrity

justice

compassion.

Rest in me

blue sea

of tranquility.

- Catherine Denison