Jasmyn Ford (Friend)

Entered May 11, 2021 from Saint-Laurent

Catherine was a great person and always willing to help others. My condolences to her family and friends.

Bryan Belanger (Friend/ex-colleague)

Entered May 11, 2021 from Montreal

Catherine and I worked together a few years back and became fast friends through our mutual challenges in business. I admired and valued the passion she had for her trade and life in general. We had many memorable conversations at the pub, over a pint, about business, politics, sports and a slew of personal topics. I always appreciated Catherine's point of view and will miss bouncing ideas off my friend.

"Death ends a life, but not a relationship". I will continue to have a relationship with the memories that Catherine gifted me. For these, I am truly grateful to her and will never forget our time together.

My heart goes out to the Polson family for your loss. I wish you strength in the coming days and offer you my love during your time of mourning.

My deepest sympathies,

Bryan

Kathryn O'Dell (Friend)

Entered May 11, 2021 from Montreal

I am so saddened to hear of Cat's passing. She always made me smile! Her whole personality was so bubbly and you just couldn't be sad in her presence! She will be missed by everyone. My condolences to her family.

Joëlle Fefer & Gourdji Family (Family friend)

Entered May 11, 2021 from Beaconsfield

The gourdji Family is so terribly sad to hear of Catherine's sudden passing. The world has lost a beautiful person. We offer the Polson family our heartfelt condolences. May you be spared further sorrow.

Darragh Kilkenny-Mondoux (Friend)

Entered May 11, 2021 from Montreal

Princess Catherine threw a big sisters arm around me from the first. I was a fish out of water as a courtier in the st Patrick’s society queen and court and never made friends with other girls easy, but being Cats friend was the easiest thing. She sought me out with her winning smile and said she recognized me as “another bad princess” like her. She inspired me to stay involved in the Irish community even when my presence stopped being celebrated and my other interests rubbed people the wrong way. I’ll never forget her showing up for me and sharing a strange a street singing st Patrick’s day 2021 with her. My heart goes out to her sister and her parents.

50 trees were planted in memory of Catherine POLSON.
In memory of Catherine Polson. A dear colleague and friend, whose light shone brightly. Forever in the hearts of her Haivision family.
May 26, 2021

Dear George, Sharon, Laura, Heather and Ruth,
I only just heard of Catherine's death and I am so shocked and stunned. My heart goes out to you all. I remember Catherine and all of you so well from Allancroft. She was such a wonderful student. I know a gaping hole has been left in your lives and hearts. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Kathryn
KATHRYN WOODARD
May 25, 2021

My deepest sympathies to you George and Sharon for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
NINA BRUBACHER
May 21, 2021

My sincere condolences to you George and your family at this very sad time. My heart is with you all.
DEBRA FARRELL (CURLING)
May 21, 2021

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sharon, George, Laura & Heather. You are in our thoughts.
JILL & DON SHAW
May 17, 2021

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Catherine POLSON.
Sent with love and remembrance.
SAMANTHA CAMBRIDGE
May 16, 2021

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to George, Sharon, Laura, and Heather on the loss of Catherine. Margaret Vost.
MARGARET VOST
May 15, 2021

This afternoon I learned about Catherine's passing with much shock and real sadness. I am sure in the days ahead many people will echo the same sentiments.

I can tell you a little bit about how I knew Catherine. I first got to know her in 2015 when she competed in the United Irish Societies of Montreal's Queen's Selection Evening. At the time I noticed what a good public speaker she was and that she had a pretty good shot at winning the competition. While she lost out to Carly Meredith, Catherine got busy as a parade princess and so I saw her at every event, from the more intimate ones to the bigger ones. Quite often the princesses and queens fade into the sunset, rarely to be seen again. Catherine kept active within the UIS, attending events and volunteering her time for such important work as their Christmas Basket program.

From a distance I saw that Catherine was active within the Green Party of Quebec, even running against Greg Kelley in the last election. I was so proud to see her put her name forward in her home riding despite it being a bastion of Liberal Party MNAs. As I walked to work every day I saw her posters along Hymus. I smiled every day during the campaign. I was most pleased to see her best the previous PVQ candidate's results too!

In 2017, 2018, and 2019 Catherine jumped in the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics with the team from the United Irish Societies. I believe we raided Projet Montreal's team to get her. As the old guy in the bunch it was great to see the youngsters raising funds for such a worthy (and Irish related) cause.

It doesn't end there. In November 2020 I assumed the presidency of the St. Patrick's Society. As the presumed next president I was invited to join the nominating committee, which is tasked with assembling a slate of candidates for the Board of Directors. I was so pleased when I found out Catherine was on that list! After joining the Board, she definitely did not disappoint. She jumped right in and got involved on a few committees, including the Luncheon committee and, recently, a committee organizing a Trivia Night in June. I believe she may have also been in the Golf Committee. Because of the pandemic, we had to organize a "virtual" luncheon (on ZOOM). I wish we had more time with Catherine on our Board. Such energy, drive to succeed, and willingness to volunteer her time.

I informed my Executive of Catherine's passing. Each of us expressed shock and sadness. Most only got to know Catherine since November. In that short time, and without actually meeting her face to face I should add, Catherine left a lasting impression.

Catherine's role for the Luncheon was as the "voice of God" - the person introducing the next speaker or the next entertainment. Her voice was well suited for the role. EVERYONE on the Luncheon committee raved about Catherine's work.

I spent the better part of this afternoon going through photos, from the 2015 Selection Evening through various UIS events through numerous St. Patrick's Society Balls and Luncheons, which made me smile.

I know I have made this e-mail longer than it maybe should be. I just want you and your family to know that Catherine was loved within the community.

My Executive and I send our most sincere condolences to you all.

Blood Drive was held June 3 at the Beaconsfield rec centre.
65 donors were welcomed during your blood drive.
21 of them were first time donors which is higher than the average of 10 %
More than 37 donors mentioned Catherine’s name.
7 donors donated under Catherine’s perpetual code at a permanent center.

In Memory of Catherine Polson

A true tragedy has occurred in the BKRA community. Catherine Polson passed away suddenly at the very young age of 31.

Catherine began her ringette career at BK in 1994 with the Bunnies. She continued to play for 16 years until 2010. Catherine was also very involved with the BK and Lac St Louis associations. She volunteered as time keeper, shot clock operator and referee between 2002 and 2010. In 2007 she was awarded the Lac St Louis prix d'Excellence as "Referee of the Year" for the region. Catherine was an inspiration to all those who loved the sport of ringette. She gave back to that community as she did in so many aspects of her life.

Catherine was a delight to have on a ringette team. She was always the life of the team. Her boundless energy and incredible sense of humour, work ethic, warm personality and zest for life made her a wonderful player to coach and watch grow. Never without a smile, she was enthusiastically dedicated to her teams and to the association.

Memories of Catherine certainly brings smiles to our faces, she will be greatly missed.

Sincerely,

Former coaches John Kelly and Grant Aboud