Catherine Marie Rowen

Catherine Marie Rowen passed away on October 12, 2023, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, after a very hard-fought battle. She was lovingly known as “Catty”, “Mom”, “Grandma”, “Young Grandma”, and “Gam Gam”.

The youngest of 8 children, born in Brantford, Ontario she joined siblings Mary, Jerry, Jeffrey, Christopher, Frances, Patrick, and Timothy to parents Gerald and Patricia Rowen. She spent many years in Brantford both as a child and in later years creating mischief and bringing light to many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews and other family.

Catherine moved to British Columbia with her youngest brother Tim at a young age, meeting and marrying Michael, the father of her children. While their marriage did not last, their love and joy in the children they created did. Catherine was a devoted mother, giving up much to ensure her childrens’ success. Her sense of humour and joie de vivre were evident in all she did, from singing her children to bed each night, to dancing the night away with friends and family.

She was kind, loving and compassionate, and her strength and resilience inspired those around her. Her love for camping, hiking, laughing and paddleboarding was met with equal enthusiasm by her children and grandchildren.

Catherine is survived by her pride and joy, her grandchildren, granddaughter Alison Basso, bonus granddaughter Meagan, and grandsons Wyatt and Logan Basso, and River Snyder; daughter Harmonie Basso (Aaron); sons Dylan Basso (Samara) and Joshua Basso (Lisa); and bonus daughter KoraLeigh; brothers Jeffrey (Christine), Patrick and Timothy (Tracey); sisters Mary and Frances. She was loved by a huge number of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and other family. She was also loved by an amazing friend in Jody Alaric and her family, who helped all of us in the last days.

Catherine was preceded in death by her father Gerald Rowen; mother Patricia Rowen; and brothers Jerry and Christopher Rowen.

The family invites you to join them to celebrate Catherine's life on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at the Peachland Little School House, 1898 Brandon Avenue, Peachland, V0H 1X6. Please wear a splash of pink to honour Catherine. 

A private graveside green burial will be held at Westbank Cemetery, West Kelowna.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kelowna Hospice. Expressions of condolences and other family wishes can be shared with the family on the tribute wall.