Catherine Elizabeth "Cathy" Austin

On Sunday, January 5, 2025, surrounded by family, Cathy passed away at Woodstock Hospital in her 68th year after a brief illness. Best friend and beloved wife of 49 years to Charles Austin. Loving mother of Charles Andrew Austin “Drew” (Madeleine LaPlante), Kevin Lewis Austin (Kate Avery) and Thomas Elliott Austin. Proud Meema of Layla Marie Austin, Aubrey Carre-Anne Thain, Vincent Valentine Ellesmere Austin, Laiken Thomas Court, Charles Guy Austin, Willow Elliot Grace Court and the late Jacob Aiden Austin. She is fondly remembered by her chosen daughters Jessica Thain and Anne Jackson.  Daughter of Virginia Elizabeth and the late Gerald Laverne Ransom. Cathy is also survived by her brothers, David Eric Ransom (Elaine), John Douglas Ransom and Andy Gerald Ransom (Kelly).

 Prior to retirement, Cathy worked at Cami Automotive and proudly served in solidarity as a Unifor Discussion Leader and past President of Unifor Local 88. Serving as the long-time chairperson of the Women’s Employment Resource Centre of Woodstock (a charitable organization she helped found), she worked to address the unique difficulties women face when entering the workforce. A tireless activist and humanitarian, she fought for the rights of women, workers, the LGBTQ2S+ community, and the marginalized and powerless everywhere. We lost in her a truly courageous defender of equality.

 Cathy was a trusted and selfless leader who cultivated the strength she saw in others, happily welcoming them to the cause and nurturing in them their own unique abilities. She confounded and enraged the gatekeepers protecting the vested interests. All who knew her were continually awestruck by her strength and determination. The love and compassion contained in her was vast and she gave it freely to everyone she knew. 

 Friends are invited to join Cathy’s family for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 2-4pm at the Brock and Visser Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock. Sharing of Memories will take place at 3pm for anyone wishing to share. In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed to the Women’s Employment Resource Centre of Woodstock.