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Catherine Burns27 October 1923 - 6 May 2011Obituary | Memorial Service | Photos | MemoriesMemorial Service Home |
Today is a celebration of the life of Catherine Burns or as we all knew her Aunt Kitty. Eighty-eight years young, she was born in the middle of the Rooney clan. Julia first, then Lawrence, Catherine, Frank and Pat. Living on the farm was a lot of hard work, probably where Kitty ended up learning the strong work ethic she brought with her through her whole life. Uncle Pat remembers how when Grandma Rooney passed away that it was Aunt Kitty that took over the household duties, doing the cooking, cleaning and looking after the rest of them. We can all remember the stories Aunt Kitty told of the work she did on the farm, she was never averse to letting us know. I am not sure how many cows they had; I believe it was a substantial herd for the time. From the stories it seemed she milked them all by herself, by hand, probably went next door and did theirs as well.
I believe that Aunt Kitty relentlessly let Aunt Julia know through her whole life just how much work she had done or was doing. More than a few times Aunt Kitty mentioned how she stayed on the farm and worked while Aunt Julia gallivanted into Ottawa and got a cushy government job.
I am sure through all the times Aunt Julia, Lilian and Kitty were driving to the various family and friend functions, that just once, Aunt Julia would have liked to have said, "Enough Kitty, put a sock in it". Of course Julia never would have said anything like that.
You cannot mention Aunt Kitty without referring to Uncle Gene. They were married just short of 25 years before his sudden and unexpected death in '75. Smitten by this young and caring man who was just back from the war, they had a short but busy life together. They moved 21 times in 24 years. Wow, just think of the cleaning Kitty did during all those moves! I will always remember their visits and how Uncle Gene would slip us a quarter or sometimes even a silver dollar. You could get a lot of candy for a quarter back then.
Though they never had children I think that also shaped who Kitty became. After Uncle Gene died it seemed her role in life was to help others. Whether it be working for the Sullivans or helping one of the Laushway girls, she became the ultimate cook, nanny or cleaning lady. Again she never tired of regaling us with the stories of the kids she was looking after or the toilets she was cleaning. Thank the lord, that by that time, they had figured out how to automate milking cows or she never would have found the time!
I always found there was a bit of formality or regiment about Aunt Kitty, the way she went about things. My sister Colleen remembers when she had moved in with Aunt Kitty shortly after Uncle Gene had passed. When Colleen came home each night Aunt Kitty would have a cold beer and frosted glass ready for her — I am sure it was a Molson Canadian. Dinner was ready, laundry done, including the undergarments ironed and fresh linens on the bed.
Mary fondly remembers the dinners over at Aunt Kitty's with her family, those meat pies to die for. Always pie for dessert (probably made from scratch!!) and some sugar biscuits to bring home. Sort of ironic knowing that Aunt Kitty was diabetic don't you think.
One thing I seemed to have missed out on was the crystal giving. It seems most of my sisters were given, over a period of time, their own crystal collection. Caroline mentioned her pinwheel collection which she intends to pass down to her family. Now I do remember before Aunt Kitty moved from the condo that she was giving a few more things away and I believe I got about 3 or 4 tea cups which are in our hutch at home. Aunt Kitty never forgot birthdays, always sending the cards with a little something for the kids. She loved knitting, at one time or other I am sure we have received some thing she had knitted for us or our families.
Growing up it was not a family function without the Aunts. When were Aunt Kitty, Aunt Julia and Lilian coming? Throw in at times Bill Burns, Lawrence Laushway (Streak) and Joe Crites and you would have a Hoe Down. And there was Aunt Kitty, cold beer in one hand a cigarette in the other and telling Aunt Julia how hard she had worked on the farm. Louis would ensure there was a cold Molson Canadian on hand for Aunt Kitty with a frosted glass.
We can't forget the condo; it seemed Aunt Kitty controlled that too. Whether being on the board or running the security team she was always involved. I envisage her roaming the hallways and stairways at night looking for intruders. I know I would not have wanted to come up against her, a tough old broad she could be. Even in the condo she was always getting to know and helping those who lived around her. She never had a problem having someone drive her or pick things up for her. They were only paying back the kindness she showed them. One thing Mary Catherine remembered was how cool it was to be able to see the drive-in movie screen from her balcony.
Before I finish I would like to specifically thank the Laushway girls for looking after Aunt Kitty all these years. I know she was a big part of your families and the care and love you have shown her will never be forgotten. Uncle Pat had also asked to ensure to say how much he appreciated what you have done.
And to my own sisters, who would faithfully visit and help Aunt Kitty where they could. Rosann always having the ritual of bringing Aunt Kitty a coffee and her favorite biscuit.
In closing, "I was just going to say", whoops, one more story. Mary has said that in a conversation, after you had said your piece, Aunt Kitty would always say "I was just going to say" and then repeat something she had just heard you say as if it was her idea. The best ideas are always someone else's!
Okay, in closing, "I was just going to say" that on behalf of all the Rooneys a very sincere and heartfelt goodbye to our Aunt Kitty. She is probably up there now cleaning up after the rest of the family. Poor Aunt Julia!
And now an Irish prayer.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
Until we meet again,
May GOD hold you in the Palm of his hand.