Catherine SIMS Obituary

Extending to you our deepest sympathies at the passing of your beloved Cathy. I taught with her at PNGHS and always remember her as a positive, dynamic and popular teacher who had so much energy. She was loved by all and will be sadly missed by her friends and colleagues but I´m sure very deeply missed by you, her family. I´m sorry I will be unable to attend her Memorial service. Arohanui to you all.

Thinking of you all at this time. I was sad to hear of Cathy´s passing. We worked together at PNGHS and she was an absolute delight. Always warm, vibrant and enthusiastic. We often had lunch at the Elm on a Wednesday and Cathy always had a story to share or some news about her family who talked about with great pride! Cathy was positive, genuine and unforgettable and had a beautiful smile. She will be remembered with great fondness and my thoughts are with Ralph, her family and loved ones at this time.

Thinking of you, Ralph. Cathy will be missed. She lit up anywhere she went and you were a great team. Much love, Elayne

I'm so sad to hear this news. Many happy memories of times spent with Cathy and friends in Paris and the south of France. My sincere condolences to Ralph and family. Much love, Henrietta

Dear Ralph and family and friends
How sad to hear this news. I have great memories of Cathy´s vivacity, generous spirit and fun loving nature from moments spent in her company during her time in Paris.
May she rest in peace and you find comfort in her memory.

Dear Ralph,

I want to send you and family my deepest sympathies on the recent passing of your beloved Cathy. I have very fond memories of the many occasions that Cathy and I happily chatted together, whether it was on the sideline or in some alternative social setting. She was a wonderful lady, full of warmth and always interesting. I hope you and family find comfort together in the near future as you come to terms with this great loss. May she Rest In Peace.

Eamonn Gormley

I heard of Cathy's passing and I am so very sorry for your loss. Cathy was my form and English teacher in the 90's, she always had a smile for us and was such an amazing teacher. Mum (Pauline Cooper) also knew Cathy well, she talked often about Cathy's brave battle, and had nothing but huge admiration and love for her. She will be missed - thinking of you all at this tough time.

Ralph & family we are deeply saddened to here Cathy's passing. She will be missed in the Valley. Craig & Gabrielle Giles

The family directly after Cathy's Cremation at Greenhaugh Gardens of international significance, owned by Cathy's good friend Lynne Atkins.

With grateful thanks from Ralph and all his wonderful family members for all those lovely memories of Cathy you have all shared in this Guest Book. At her request, a Celebration of Life will be held at Wharerata, Massey University campus, Palmerston North on 21 February starting after noon with brief formalities around 1pm and the celebration continuing well into the afternoon. Sincere thanks for your supporting comments on the passing of my lovely wife of 54 years. Ralph

Hello Ralph and family. When Dad told me of Cathy´s passing my heart felt heavy for you all. I knew of her unfair health and I couldn´t quite imagine Cathy being that unwell, so unlike her.Cathy´s cup was always over flowing with life and vibrancy. I met you in my teenage years with tennis at Aokautere school, Mum and Dads dinner parties and all the community Shenanigans . You were the couple with the kids on the back of their push bikes riding in all weather....I hadn´t met such a fit, lust for life kind. Even at my Dads 80th you both turned up on your bikes. Being in Cathys company ,sharing her beautiful nature, her forever smile and great story telling left me and everyone feeling warmed, she was that special.
My Mum dearly loved Cathy .
You all will have such brilliant bright and colourful memories to cherish. Deep sadness sits now but the memories will keep the past forever present.
Much love and thoughts to you all.
Kim Walton

To Ralph and family,
Im am so saddened to hear of Catherine's passing. I am going to dearly miss our catch ups on all the travels, family, exciting things she has been up to and her wise advice.
I have treasured and valued every hair appointment time we have had and from all of our conversations what shone through the most is how extremely proud of all of her family she was and her love for everyone.
Sending all my deepest sympathy and condolences at this extremely hard time for everyone and my thoughts and care are with you all xx

I just learn through a friend that Cathy died a few days ago. Ralph, I am very sorry for your loss. I didn´t know of her illness and remember her full of laughter and kindness.
My condolences and support.
Josephine Serrallach

Hi Ralph.
Selwyn York has only just told me of Cathy's death. I am so sorry for your loss. Craig and I send you heaps of love.
Barbara Irving

Ralph and family,
We were sorry to learn of the death of Cathy, she was one of life´s most positive and vibrant people. We enjoyed knowing you both in PN, and cycling in Paris. Hope you and your family are doing ok, and have time to reflect on all the happy memories.

My heart goes out to you, Ralph, and to your family. We all loved Cathy very much. Take care of yourself and each other and know that we're with you.

How lucky we feel to have known and loved this wonderful woman. So many fun and happy memories, so much time spent together in their beautiful home and the land of liberty peace and plenty. Always smiling and laughing and sharing her wonderful energy. Her family made her so very very happy all the time. And she made us feel like part of it too! She also made a killer granola! To Cathy, the original Bendy, thank you for all the love and frolics! We will miss you dearly and strive to keep your bright smile shining through us all. Much love to Ralph and all your family. Love always - Gem, Chris, Maggie and Jimmy x

Dear Ralph, Miranda, and Sims whanau. My deepest condolences for your great loss - I know Catherine was a wonderful wife, mum, teacher, friend and colleague and touched many lives for the better. Arohanui, Sea

We are all going to really miss Cathy, and we want to pay tribute by thanking her and her family for their significant part in our lives.
Cathy and Ralph have been such good friends for more than 50 years. We first met the newly-weds in 1971, shortly after they had arrived in Palmerston North from the UK, and Cathy soon joined the English department of Freyberg High School.
Our children were born at similar times and we all spent holidays together with our young ones in Taupo and Hawke's Bay. There was even an expedition to ski at Cardrona later with the teenage girls.
Lots of our photos show the Sims at our occasions, and we happily attended their huge celebratory breakfast parties at The Rustlings, culminating in the 50/50/50 gala at Wharerangi.
Cathy was the inspiration for Pam's book club in Waipukurau, which has now been going for over 30 years.
Anna, our eldest, has had the best and most loyal godmother she could wish for, and she and Erica are planning to visit Penarth in February in memory of Cathy.
We'll miss all the lovely chats and laughs with you, Cathy.

With love and happy memories from the Ballantyne family.

Dear Ralph, so sorry to hear of Cathy's death. It must be so hard to conceive of a world without her beautiful, vibrant presence in it. My deepest sympathies and thoughts to you and your family.

My heartfelt sympathy to all of your family at this incredibly sad time. Mrs Sims was a special teacher to so many of us. Miranda, I know all of us as your friends and classmates wish we could be there to wrap around you now, I hope you know how much our thoughts are with you. Sending love xx

I was so very sad to hear of Cathy's death. I have a lovely photo here of us sitting together on a balcony in Paris - laughing, and planning new adventures. She was always planning adventures!
My condolences to you, Ralph, and to your family. Fiona

My thoughts are with you all. I´m so sorry to hear of the enormous loss of your beautiful wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother.

Dearest Cathy, thank you for all the wonderful chats, fun, laughter, kindness, stories and introducing me to waffle!
The kids have great memories of spending time with you and Ralph, picking walnuts and playing on the digger.
You are much loved and will be greatly missed.
All our love to all the Sims and Struthers.
Dave, Bridge, Eds, Joey and France xx

Dear Ralph and family, so sad to read of Cathys passing , I have very found memories of her when we first joined Massey and the Massey Baby Sitting Club. Aroha nui Bev.

Dear Ralph and family, I have many fond memories of Cathy at PNGHS because of her positive and absolutely dedicated approach to teaching, her passion for her students, her support and encouragement for her colleagues, and her amazing energy. She was just a delight to spend time with and it was always lovely to catch up with her. My thoughts are with you all. Arohanui.

When Miranda introduced me to Cathy it was a delight to become part of her dynamic and friendly world, and of course we always made sure to chat about home in Wales. Cathy showed such genuine care for us as a family living away from our families overseas, and we will especially miss her cheering and dancing at music events. Sending love and cwtches to Ralph and family.

Cathy! You were such an inspiration and embraced life with curiosity and adventure. My Classics teacher at school, later to become my cycling tour guide around Paris. But for me, you were a cherished friend, whether it was inviting me to gatecrash your girls trip pre-theatre drinks when I walked past or rocking up unannounced on a Saturday morning to check out my new house (of course I´m getting out of bed for you!). Ave atque vale xxx

Dear Ralph and family
I am very sorry to learn of Cathy's passing. Sad times.
My sincere condolences to you all.

Dear Adam,

We are sorry to learn of your mum's death. Loosing a parent at any age is a loss and a big gap in the children's lives too.

Pat and Delwyn

Ralph and family.
We were so sad to hear of Cathy´s health struggle and passing. We did so enjoy her vibrant personality and Joie de vivre, she will be so missed.
Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Janine and Garth Ganley

I was very sad to see that Cathy had passed. I have fond memories of our chats while helping you in your garden.
Sending much love to you Ralph and all your family

Ralph & Family.
So many wonderful Aokautere memories, including tennis matches and district events. Cathy was a vibrant and wonderfully positive person. She will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and memories are with Ralph and family at this very sad time.
The Dickins

I was so privileged to be Cathy's friend. Difficult to imagine the world without her. I shall miss her so much
To Ralph and family please accept my condolences
Much love Judy

To Ralph and Family. We are so sorry to hear of Cathy's passing. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time.

Ruth & Tim

Condolences to Ralph and family

Dear Ralph,

We´re so sorry to hear about Cathy´s passing.

It was truly inspiring to see her maintain such a positive outlook during her illness. I´m sure she was surrounded by love and support in her final moments.

Pauline is here with me to extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time.

Kindest regards,

Christophe and Pauline.

I treasured Cathy´s friendship throughout the 54 years I knew her. Sending love and deepest sympathy to her wonderful family. Cathy leaves a huge gap for her family and friends.

To Ralph and family, I am so sorry to hear of Cathy's passing. I was always impressed by her zest for life. Such a vital person. Love to you all.

He mihi aroha Kia koe Ralph and Whanau our prayers are with you all at this very sad time

Such sad news. Mrs. Sims had an amazing personality - such positivity and verve.
My condolences to you all

Dear Ralph
We are incredibly sorry to hear about the passing of your dear wife, Cathy.. Thinking of you and sending heartfelt condolences,

on behalf of the Palmerston North Interfaith Group
.
Beth Lew

[email protected]

I am so sorry to hear of Cathy´s passing. She was a wonderful teacher and an amazing human being. Tina Sims

Dear Ralph and family.
We were so sad to hear of Cathy's death. She was such a bubbly dynamic woman and will be deeply missed by all.
Thinking of you Ralph and your family and sending much love at this sad time.

Big hugs Ralf and family - such sad news. May the memories be of comfort to you - Shona

True sympathy
To you Ralph and the family.
Wayne and Cathy were AFS buddy´s

Fondly Judith Edwards.

Cathy and I were kindred spirit English teachers at PNGHS. Neither of us was very tall and both of us talked a lot so, when students came to the staff room door and asked for Mrs Sy/ims, they would have to say, the one with the rings in order to get Cathy! One memorable year Cathy and I took a group of Year 10 girls camping at Waitetoko where we went tramping and learned how to fly fish. Ralph and Dave had a wonderful working relationship at PNBHS and Adam and Miranda will always be remembered by us. Cathy´s love of language and literature and her warm, exuberant personality will be treasured by me. Arohanui to your whanau.
Lynda and Dave Syms

Ralph and family,our condolences may Kathy rest in peace.

Such sad news, Cathy was a lovely human and we will miss her greatly in the yoga community. Sending love.

So many memories of Cathy in Palmerston North, England, Wales and Paris. A beautiful friend sadly lost but no longer suffering. Sincere sympathy to Ralph, Adam and Miranda and Cathy´s extended family. Coral and Terry .

Thinking of Ralph and family at this very sad time. We were honoured to have Cathy join your special celebration in November. From the Alumni Relations team at Massey University.