MacKenzie & McCreath Funeral Homes Ltd.

Catherine Rhodena Andrew (MacDonald)

July 14, 1914

December 21, 2019

Catherine Rhodena Andrew of Lucknow passed away at Pinecrest Nursing Home on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at the age of 105. She was the beloved wife of the late Alex Andrew who predeceased her in 1991. Catherine was born in Ashfield Township on July 14, 1914 to the late Sarah (MacCharles) and Thomas MacDonald. She will be greatly missed by her children Robert and Carol Andrew of Goderich, Thomas Andrew and Donald Andrew both of Lucknow and Allan and Linda Andrew of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Township. Lovingly remembered by her 8 grandchildren: Jeffrey (Levie) Andrew, Mark Andrew (Chris Moore), Jennifer (Mark) Greer, Jamie Andrew, Adella (Rod) Moorsom, Jordan Andrew (Dana Thiel), Mary Joan (Michael) Paffrath, Holly (Adam) Griffiths and 18 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her daughter-in-law Hilda Andrew, granddaughter Michelle Andrew, grandson Paul Andrew, her brother Finlay MacDonald and sisters Clara Richards and Marion Houston. Catherine was born and raised on her home farm in Ashfield Township. She preferred working alongside her mom doing the household chores over working in the barn. She met the man who would one day become her husband at the age of fifteen. It was love at first sight when she met Alex Andrew. Her parents encouraged all their girls to pursue higher education so, after boarding in Lucknow with her grandmother to complete her grade 13 Catherine decided to go to school to become a teacher. Her sister Clara helped pay for Catherine’s tuition after she began working because their father had paid half a year’s wages for Clara to attend university. Upon completing Teacher’s college Catherine struggled to find a position so, took a job as a nanny for a Jewish family in Toronto. Finally, Catherine got a job teaching and within a couple of years she had a full-time job teaching at Lochalsh School. She and Alex had continued to court the entire time. Catherine wanted to have 5 years of teaching experience before they married. At the age of 27 she and Alex married and moved into a rebuilt home in Lucknow. Catherine and Alex raised 4 sons and operated the Fairview Dairy until their retirement. She was involved in many organizations including the Lucknow United Church, Cancer Society, Arthritis Society, Lion’s Club, Bridge Club and the Horticultural Society. After their retirement Catherine and Alex were able to travel extensively no longer tied down by the daily responsibilities of the dairy business. Catherine valued family gatherings and celebrations such as the MacDonald Reunions, or any other reason to call a party. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 29, 2019 from 1 - 2:30 pm at the Lucknow United Church. Funeral service will be at the Lucknow United Church at 2:30 pm, December 29, 2019 following the visitation. Rev. Lynne Wilson officiating. Grandchildren will act as pallbearers. Interment Greenhill Cemetery. Donations to the charity of your choice are appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

Pinecrest Manor, Lucknow

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Visitation will be held Sunday one and a half hours prior to the funeral service from 1:00 - 2:30 PM.
Lucknow United Church

December 29, 2019-2:30 pm
Lucknow United Church
510 Havelock Street
Lucknow, ON
(Map/Driving Directions)

Greenhill Cemetery, Lucknow, ON