Cover for Catherine Gail Boyes's Obituary

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Catherine Gail
Boyes

May 22, 1944 — Sep 25, 2026

Obituary

In Loving Memory of Catherine “Gail” Theresa Boyes (nee Shea)May 22, 1944 – September 25, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gail Boyes at the age of 82, at Vaughan Hospice, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in the living room on Glebeholme Boulevard in Toronto to the late Douglas and Miriam Shea, she was the cherished youngest sibling to her late brother Jack and late sisters Miriam and Doreen, with whom we pray she is now peacefully reunited.

Life tested her early. Becoming pregnant as a teenager, she had to marry young, navigate a difficult divorce, and manage the challenges of a single-parent world. She spent a few years working as a receptionist at Ford and Collier Macmillan. While her path wasn't traditional or easy, her journey was defined by a quiet resilience, strength, and a deep pride in the family she built.

Her legacy lives on through her daughters Laura, Virginia, and Nancy. Her truest joy, comfort, and pride came through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved fiercely. She will be deeply missed by her seven grandchildren and her ten great-grandchildren, with another precious great grand-baby on the way.

She was a true character—incredibly funny, wonderfully witty, and beautifully cranky when she wanted to be. With her sharp sense of humour, life was never boring around her. Outside of her family, everyone knew that her focus was on bingo. She absolutely loved the game and the community around it. Whether travelling to drive-in games during COVID, or playing at the Lansdowne or Delta halls, it was her favourite escape and a source of joy.

For the final ten months of her life, she was a resident at the Ukrainian Care Centre. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the team there; Gail thoroughly enjoyed playing Bingo twice a week and truly loved spending her time helping her fellow residents. Special appreciation is extended to her PSWs, Chris and Aster.

The family also wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the exceptional staff at Humber River Hospital for their care and compassion over these final weeks.

Visitation: Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home, 211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6

Funeral Service: Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home, 211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6

Interment: Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery – Section 13

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Funeral Services

Visitation

October
17

Saturday

Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home

211 Langstaff Road East, Markham, ON L3T 3Z2

10:30 - 11:45 am (Eastern time)

Funeral Service

October
17

Saturday

Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home

211 Langstaff Road East, Markham, ON L3T 3Z2

Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Guestbook

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