Catherine (Pellegrin) Lee

Catherine (Cathy) Lee, 87, of Salmon Arm, BC, passed away on January 6, 2026, after a month of care at Shuswap Lake General and Vernon Jubilee hospitals. She spent her final weeks surrounded by her family, dear friends, devoted caregivers, and the constant love of many who could not be at her side.

Born in Trail, BC, to Pietro and Emma Pellegrin shortly after their immigration from Italy, Catherine was the eldest of four children. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Arv, and her sister Lidia (Mel). She leaves behind her children Michele, Kevin (Cheryl), and Mark (Valerie); grandchildren Emma, Nick (Hailey), Thomas (Danica), Brendan (Megan), Norah, Cormac, and Eamon; great‑grandchildren Evelynn and Gavin; her brother Lorne (Marg); and the extended families of both Lidia and Lorne.

Catherine began school speaking little English but discovered a lifelong love of learning that transcended her native Italian and adopted English. She became her high school valedictorian and earned an English degree from UBC in 1961 before serving as a public school teacher. After her children were all established in their schooling, Catherine worked as the office manager at Ujimoto Optometry (now Alpine Optometry) in Salmon Arm, providing exceptional service with a personal touch.

A lover of literature, the arts, music, and theatre, Catherine enjoyed everything from Wednesdays on the Wharf and Roots & Blues to the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra as well as productions ranging from Shuswap Theatre performances to shows in Vancouver and London. She treasured the Shuswap District Arts Council and especially its street banner program, which gave her the chance to paint beside her eldest grandchild and many local artists.

Catherine expressed love in countless, heartfelt ways: caring for her aging parents, raising her children with devotion, creating wondrous Christmas parcels and university care packages, sharing laughter and a delightfully cheeky sense of humour, and taking genuine interest in the lives and pursuits of family and friends across generations. She was also a gifted cook and an extraordinary baker—her shortbread and pies were legendary. In Cathy’s home, food was love made visible.

Faith and community were central to her life. Catherine was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League and served for many years as a reader and lay volunteer in the Catholic parishes she attended, especially St. Joseph’s in Salmon Arm.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 60 1st Street SE, Salmon Arm, BC, followed by a reception in the church hall.

Catherine’s family extends profound gratitude to the community at Andover Terrace where Mom lived for most of the last decade, and to all the medical professionals who cared for her, including long‑time physicians Dr. Malinowski and Dr. Stickle, and the compassionate teams at Shuswap Lake General and Vernon Jubilee hospitals.

Donations in her memory are welcomed by Shuswap Lake General Hospital or the Canadian Red Cross.