Ms. Caterina “Cathy” Ceniti

Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Caterina “Cathy” Ceniti at the age of 58. Cathy will be deeply missed by her family, friends and the many people whose lives she touched through her work and her generous spirit.

Cathy is survived by her mother, Maria; her brothers, Frank (Vicky) and their sons, Alexander and Gianluca; Joe (Heidi) and his sons, Jordan (Pauline), Jacob (Ola) and their sons Nicco and Rome; Vincenzo (Julie) and their daughter, Sofia; and her sister, Rose (Maurice), and their daughters, Melissa (Alex) and Danielle.

Throughout her life, Cathy had a remarkable instinct to care for others. Whether through her work, her family, her friendships or the causes and communities she cared about, she gave generously of herself and was always looking for a way to help.

Cathy spent more than 20 years with the City of Toronto, working in social work in a variety of roles. She was deeply committed to the people she served - always putting the person first, advocating for others and finding ways to make a difference.

Following her early retirement from the City and the loss of her father, Salvatore, Cathy moved home to support her mother. For the next decade, caring for her mother became one of the most important expressions of her love for her family. She gave her time, energy and unwavering presence without hesitation, and her family will be forever grateful for all she did.

Cathy began a second career as the office administrator at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, a place that became an important part of her life. She gave herself wholeheartedly to the parish and to the people who came through its doors. Parishioners knew they could turn to Cathy. She listened, she remembered, she helped, and if there was something she could do to make things happen, she would do her best to make it happen. She became a familiar and much-loved presence at the church, and her absence will be felt deeply by the parish community.

As a daughter and sister, Cathy was a force of nature. She was fiercely loyal and put her family at the heart of everything she did. Cathy was the one who knew exactly who that third cousin was in some remote Italian village. She somehow kept track of everyone and was always up to date on the details of our lives. More importantly, she cared enough to reach out - to check in, to celebrate our victories, and to stand beside us with unwavering support through the difficult times. Cathy loved her family deeply, and that love was felt just as deeply in return by her siblings and mother.

As an aunt, Cathy was beloved and devoted to her seven nieces and nephews. Filling their lives with love, support and countless cherished memories. She took a genuine interest in their lives and was always ready to lend a helping hand, offer guidance or share a good laugh. Cathy remembered the little things that mattered most, making each niece and nephew feel valued and special. Her warmth, kindness and love will leave a lasting imprint on their hearts that they will carry with them always.

As a friend, Cathy was cherished. She had a gift for bringing people together and making people feel welcome. She was kind, deeply loyal and loving. A trusted confidant. Her altruistic goodness made you feel safe, comforted and supported. You knew you were always in her thoughts, in her prayers and close to her heart.

And then there were the things Cathy loved. She was a devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan, an enthusiastic U2 fan and a passionate Formula One follower. She embraced the things she loved wholeheartedly, with the same enthusiasm and loyalty she brought to the people in her life.

Cathy’s life was defined not by what she had, but by what she gave. She gave her time, her attention, her loyalty, her humour and, above all, her heart. She was a constant presence for the people she loved and a source of comfort, laughter and support to so many.

Cathy leaves behind a family and a community made better by having known her. She will be remembered with immense love and gratitude, and her absence will be felt in countless ways - in her family, at St. Francis of Assisi, among her friends and in all the places where her generous spirit made a difference.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites donations in Cathy’s memory to St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

Visitation

Service

Cremation