Obituary

In honouring the wishes of the family, no funeral service or visitation will be held for Ms. Catherine Ann Mills.

The family kindly invites you to share your memories and condolences here, offering comfort and support during this difficult time.

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Our beloved Catherine “Cathy” Ann Mills passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

A person of remarkable intelligence and infectious humor, Cathy overcame numerous challenges in her life. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours) and, unexpectedly discovering a natural talent for mathematics and statistics, went on to obtain an undergraduate degree in Statistics and a Master of Science in Biostatistics from the University of Western Ontario. Cathy became a highly respected and internationally recognized biostatistician, contributing to clinical research organizations and supporting development of new medications since 2008. Throughout her career, she was a mentor and guide to many, helping to foster the growth of her colleagues and nurturing the careers of those under her leadership. Cathy was passionate about her work, always pushing herself to bring out the best in her team and her projects.

Outside of work, Cathy was beloved for her warmth, wit, and generosity. She was always ready to lend a helping hand or share a laugh, and her conversations often veered into lively discussions about the latest in popular culture. Her infectious sense of humor and vibrant spirit were a joy to everyone around her. An avid dog lover, Cathy lavished attention on her rescue dog, LaLa, indulging her with toys, treats, and even the occasional steak from The Keg.

Her young soul and boundless energy will be sorely missed, as she was taken from us far too soon. Cathy leaves behind a lasting legacy, not only through her publications and contributions to the scientific community, but also through the countless memories she created with friends, family, and colleagues. She was preceded in death by her father Girvan Mills, mother Dorothy Mills, and brother J. Andrew Mills. She is survived by her brother Eric Mills, sister-in-law Chantal Gallant, niece Veronique Gallant, nephew Jonathan Gallant-Mills, and many cousins, chosen family, friends, and colleagues. Cathy will also be missed by the many UberEats delivery drivers she generously tipped, a small reflection of her thoughtful and kind nature. Our heartfelt thanks go to the doctors, nurses, medical staff, and PSWs who cared for her during her illness.

If desired, contributions can be made in Cathy’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, Brain Cancer Canada,  or the Toronto Humane Society.

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January 15, 2025
Karen Fuerth
Cathy and I worked together at INC Research in Toronto from 2012 to 2014, and continued our friendship thereafter. She and I became fast friends, sharing many big belly laughs over lunch breaks and long conversations in her office. We used to jokingly call her "C-dawg"; Cathy said she loved the nickname because she loved dogs. Cathy really was one of a kind. She told me about her family, her childhood in Windsor, her amazing strength in overcoming addiction, and returning to university to pursue a new passion that ultimately resulted in our paths crossing. She was smart, humble, incredibly resilient, and had a spicy sense of humour that made us all laugh. I admired how Cathy was always working on bettering herself: trying to quit smoking, sticking with her personal training fitness regimen, making her condo into her dream home, and taking in a rescue dog that changed her life. I was so sad to learn about her cancer diagnosis a few years ago, and about her passing this month. I feel honoured to have known Cathy and will cherish our memories together. My thoughts are with your family during this very difficult time.
January 15, 2025
Robert Annau
My deepest condolences to the family. Cathy will be missed by many!