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The heart of the family

The rock that we stood on

The glue that held it all together 💗

Our hearts are overflowing with endless love and cherished memories as we share the passing of our beloved wife, mother, sister, auntie, grandma and friend, who left us too soon on April 25, 2025, at the age of 67.

Catherine “Cathy with a C” Margaret Leriger was born in Spirit River, AB on November 24, 1957, to Shirley and Elder Smith. She grew up on their family farm in Woking AB, alongside her siblings Penny, Jim and Lorna. She quickly developed a strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to family and community. Graduating in Spirit River and continuing to Grande Prairie College where she received her Diploma in Legal Administration. Paving the way for a lifetime of personal and professional growth. She landed her first job at the office of Al Romanchuck, the mayor of Grande Prairie at the time.

During her early accomplishments, she also had her eye on a young farm boy, Peter Leriger of Wanham, AB. Not long after dating and introducing their families they fell in love. They were then married in Spirit River on July 28, 1979. They celebrated for three consecutive days on the front lawn of Leriger farm, leaving Cathy “almost” questioning what she had gotten herself into. The Leriger family welcomed her with open arms, and she fit in immediately. Quickly growing a strong and lasting relationship with her in-laws whom she adored. She treasured all the years of good times and laughter, shared with her sisters and brother's in-law. As well the countless shenanigans that sometimes led them to trouble but always left them in stitches.

Peter and Cathy purchased their first home and planted their roots on the farm. Cathy quickly became an integral part of the community, forging lifelong relationships and devoting her time to countless Plowing Matches, COCO events and anything that she could get involved in. Not long after they wed, they welcomed their first-born Lindsey Adele Leriger on March 4, 1981, followed with baby boy Kenton Albert Leriger August 10, 1984. Cathy poured her heart and soul into nurturing and guiding her children, instilling great values, strong work ethics, manners and respect, all of which were very important to her. She was someone her children admired and looked up to. She managed all of this, along with working a full-time job and still being the backbone of the family farm. She worked in Wanham at the Birch Hills County office for many years, eventually transitioning to work many more years at Anderson/Devon in the office. She cherished her time there making many lifelong friends in the Eaglesham/Tangent area. She looked forward to work each day bantering and joking around with whomever walked through the door. Her work ethic was unmatched, she didn't stop at 5 pm, she went home to work on the farm, feed her family and anyone else that may have popped in for supper. After supper it was back to work into the late hours of the night, maintaining her beautiful yard. This was her happy place, and she took tremendous pride as well as joy in transforming the farm into what it is today.

No matter what, she always found time for fun, she was adventurous and up for anything. Cathy enjoyed years of curling bonspiels and all the shenanigans that took place during. Cathy loved playing women’s hockey and wasn't afraid to lace up for the men's old-timers' team when they were shorthanded. Horseback riding, camping and travelling were some of her favorite activities. She loved the heat of the sun and ocean with a cold drink and good friends was as close to perfection as it could get.

Cathy enjoyed many functions in town, loving to cut loose and squeeze in as many dances as she could throughout the night. Cathy and Peter spent many years in the cattle business. During which they made countless friends along the way. After selling the cattle and retiring from Devon, they enjoyed judging 4H as a team and providing support for all their friends that remained in the business.

Cathy was a very proud woman, not just of her accomplishments, but of her husband of 46 years, her children and of course her grandchildren. Becoming a grandma finally on July 2, 2012, to Evan Elder Albert was one of her biggest highlights. He soon gifted her the name “Bumma” and that's who she's been ever since. On September 2, 2018, Livia Grace was welcomed, Cathy was thrilled to have one of each, her family was now complete. She was the best Bumma. She was always willing to get down on the ground and play, always singing, dancing and taking them on random adventures to show them the world. “What happened at Bumma’s, stayed at Bumma’s”, as you never knew what they were getting up to. Even on her sickest days she would find the strength to play with them, always cheering them on and doing her very best to create lasting memories with each of them.

Her impact extended far beyond her family and community, touching the lives of all that knew her or crossed her path. She was known for making friends in random airports and while on vacation, always striking a conversation with complete strangers wherever she went. Sometimes keeping in touch with them with phone calls, texts, emails and letters for years to follow. It was something that drove Peter crazy at times yet made him admire her even more. She became very passionate about helping others face the same challenges she was, often forgetting about her own struggles, telling everyone who asked that she was good when in fact she was not. You would never hear her complain or question "why me”? She gave others hope, encouragement and had such strong compassion for anyone that had to face the pain she endured. Inside her strong exterior was a huge heart, always offering a helping hand and a listening ear.

Fortunately, she had a very special dog Max, who never left her side and got her through her darkest days. He was her best friend, providing her with comfort in a way we couldn't. Now we will provide him with that same love and care as promised. He deserves a medal for his loyalty and love for her.

Cathy is predeceased by her parents Shirley and Elder Smith, in-laws Terry and Albert Leriger, brothers- in-law Spike and Paul Leriger.

Cathy is survived by her husband Peter, children Lindsey (Travis) and Kenton (Larissa). Grandchildren Evan and Livia, her dog Max, siblings Penny (Richard) Davis, Lorna (Wade) Westwick, Jim (Judy) Smith, sister-in-law Judy (Paul) Leriger, Wenche Connell and many cherished nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Please join us in Celebrating Cathy’s life Friday, June 6, 2025, at 2 pm at the COCO Hall in Wanham. After seeding is complete, just as she wished, to be celebrated, remembered and laughed with.

Mom, we know you are thinking this is a bit over the top, you were never one for the spotlight, but you never did anything small and always took care of it all. It's our turn now to honour you. We love you; we miss you, but we know your spirit will never be far, and you are likely still running the show from wherever you are.

Rest easy Mamma bear, you've earned it.

Special thanks to Grande Prairie Hospice as well as all the Doctors, nurses, her favorite pharmacist and all her dear family and friends for your care and compassion.