MESARIC -Catherine Patricia (née Stoddart)

Born on February 11, 1953. Passed away September 26, 2021.

Passed away peacefully at Maryvale Private Hospital, Morwell on September 26th 2021 surrounded by her loving family.

Aged 68 years.

Dearly loved mother and mother in law of Justine and Alex, Francis and Rebecca.

Adored Grandma to Alastair and Zoe.

Daughter of the late Gordon and Patricia Stoddart.

Loved sister of Shirley, Bernie, Sue, Jackie, Mary, Simon, and James, and their families.

Former wife of Frank.

Funeral Notice
Due to Covid restrictions the funeral service for Catherine Mesaric will be by invitation only.

Cathy’s service will be livestreamed on Tuesday 12th October 2021 at 11.30am.

To view the livestream, please CLICK HERE.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Saint Marys Catholic School in Sale would be appreciated.

Donations can be made directly to:

BSB: 083-879

ACCOUNT No: 695442728

Any donations would go to an art installation (statue of Mary holding baby Jesus & a couple of children at foot) that would honour the founding Sisters and female principals of St Mary’s.

This was one of Cathy’s visions for the front of the school.

 

 
Tributes
  1. So sad to hear of Kathies passing, a more gentle , caring person I have yet to meet, it was a privilege for me to work with her in her younger years, always willing to help, condolences to all her family. Julie (ex Wan Loy)

    J.balcombe September 27, 2021
  2. So sorry to learn of Cathy’s passing. She was a friendly, gentle, caring and generous person. It was a privilege and a joy to work with Cathy at St. Gabriel’s School. She was always open to embracing and trialling new ideas, leading, encouraging and supporting her team of colleagues as we strove to provide the best learning outcomes for our children. Cathy’s warm and welcoming personality endeared her to to her fellow teachers and made her greatly loved by the children in her care.
    Our condolences to Justine, Francis and Cathy’s siblings.

    The O’Hara family: Annette, Brendan, Dermot, Siobhan,Roisin

    Annette O’Hara September 28, 2021
  3. Remembering Cathy with admiration and great affection. She was a gifted educator and leader who brought warmth, insight and empathy to all her relationships with staff and students, but was also not afraid to make the tough decisions. I remember fondly our time together on the Saints and Mystics pilgrimage and was in awe of her tenacious fight against her final illness. I will always remember the twinkling of her eyes and broad smile as she welcomed me into her office.
    Rest peacefully Cathy, knowing that you have made a huge difference to so many lives.

    Anne Wilson September 28, 2021
  4. Remembering Cathy as a friend , colleague, energetic and inspirational educator who , by her innovative initiatives made an enormous contribution to learning outcomes at St. Gabriel!s school . I was privileged to work alongside Cathy over many years and she was always generous , kind and caring who embraced all staff and students in a supportive, caring manner . Deepest sympathy to Justine , Francis and all the Stoddart families . Rest In Peace dear Cathy .
    Danuta Locke.

    Danuta Locke September 29, 2021
  5. I was very sad to hear of Cathy’s loss. Cathy was my mentor teacher way back in 1986 and she introduced me to the joys of teaching. She was a wonderful educator and leader. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

    Dom Ryan September 29, 2021
  6. Wonderful friend great family. Will always be remembered Paula Gibb (Barry)

    Paula Gibb September 29, 2021
  7. Cathy was so brave as a teacher and ahead of the times. The best prep teacher and beautiful colleague. Her Humpty Dumpty costume was the best! So creative and kind. It’s a sad time.
    Julie O’Donnell (Browne)

    Julie September 29, 2021
  8. To Justine, Francis and the Stoddart family,
    Sincere condolences on the loss of such a beautiful and loving soul. Cath was one in a million.

    Bill Godridge September 30, 2021
  9. So sad to hear the news of Cathy’s passing. She leaves so much love behind. A wonderful human being, a gifted educator and a treasured colleague and friend.
    Great memories of many years working together. Rest peacefully, Cathy. Deepest sympathy to Justine and Alex, Francis and Rebecca, Alastair, Zoe and the Stoddart family.

    Anne Taylor September 30, 2021
  10. So sad to hear of Cathy’s passing. She was such a beautiful person and an amazing leader and colleague I had the privilege of working with in my early years of teaching at St. Gabriel’s PS. Her love for children was infectious and she was loved greatly in return. Deepest condolences to her family.

    Jen Gulavin September 30, 2021
  11. I am very sad to hear of Cathy’s death. I had the privilege of teaching Cathy many years ago and enjoyed her friendship ever since. Cathy brought wisdom and warmth to all she met. Her commitment, leadership and courage were inspirational. Rest now in the peace of your loving God. My sympathy to Cathy’s family and friends.

    Sr Rose Duffy csb October 2, 2021
  12. Cathy’ leaves behind a legacy of contributions to education over many years. She was a trailblazer who willingly and generously shared with others. I will always remember her warmth, sincerity and sense of humour. Sincere condolences to her all her family

    Chris DiCorleto October 3, 2021
  13. I was blessed to have known and worked with Cathy. She was my Deputy at St Gabriel’s Traralgon and her expertise in the areas of curriculum were invaluable. The school produced many expert teachers and talented students as a result of Cathy’s skills. During my absence receiving medical treatment she proved herself to be an excellent administrator and leader. I have many fond memories of happy times spent with Cathy and I am extremely fortunate that she was part of my life. Rest in Peace Cathy. My condolences to all her family and friends.

    Pat Bateman October 3, 2021
  14. To Justine and Francis,
    we are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Our fond memories are now forever cherished and etched in each of us recalling from my childhood to Jen and I as adults, moments shared with your mum. Cathy’s love and devotion for you both was always evident and we loved to see her light up with delight when she reported to us small tales of you when we would see her down the street. We will always remember Cathy for her beautiful presence, her wonderful smile, her kindness and gentleness.
    Sending you all our condolences and our love, Brett and Jen Van Der Velden

    Brett Van Der Velden October 3, 2021
  15. Cathy was a thoughtful caring colleague and teacher who cared for every student in her care. Her leadership was admired and was one every teacher aspired to. Rest In Peace Cathy . Love to all her family x

    Anne Bishop October 4, 2021
  16. Sending my deepest sympathy to Justine, Francis and all Cathy’s family. I am grateful for all the wonderful memories I will always have of working with Cathy and the friendship that we shared.

    Trudy Duxbury

    Trudy Duxbury October 4, 2021
  17. Cathy was a very warm hearted, friendly person with a great smile. John and I were sad to hear about her death and send our condolences to Justine, Francis and Cathy’s siblings.
    John and Mary Mutsaers

    Mary Mutsaers October 5, 2021
  18. I’ve been privileged to know Cathy both as a colleague and friend. Cathy’s fabulous smile, her gentle warmth and quiet strength were great gifts to so many people over many, many years.
    Love and condolences to Justine, Francis and families and to the Stoddart family also.

    Bev O'Brien October 6, 2021
  19. Condolences to the Stoddart clan. Fond memories of a great childhood with Cathy and her siblings .
    Rest peacefully
    Peter and Annie Black

    Peter and Annie Black October 7, 2021
  20. Cathy was the first person to welcome me and my mum when we first visited Australia all those years ago, greeting us with a bunch of flowers and a warm smile. That is how we will always remember her, a beautiful, caring, welcoming, generous person. It is with deep sadness that we heard of her passing, but found consolation in the thought that she spent her last days surrounded by her loved ones. Even from such a long physical distance, we are close to you all.
    Paola, Caterina, Lucia and family

    Paola Cataldo October 11, 2021
  21. Cathy was such a treasure as both a friend and colleague. So warm and caring. Countless people will remember her famous Chocolate cake for staff birthdays. Deepest Sympathy to all the family.

    Carole Livesey October 11, 2021
  22. Dear Justine, Francis and families and the Stoddart family. Condolences on such a sad loss. Cathy was a most kind and welcoming person. Always a smile and gentle demeanour and the best cook … I was always asking for her recipes. Many wonderful times had especially when Justine and Francis were young.. Rest In Peace Cathy x

    Libby Witchell October 12, 2021
  23. Cathy you were an inspiration, you made the world around you a better place

    Rod luff October 12, 2021
  24. Remembering Cathy as a gentle, kind, caring and generous person. It was a privilege and a joy to work with Cathy at St. Gabriel’s School. Her warm, welcoming and friendly personality touched her fellow teachers and made her greatly loved and respected by the children in her classes and schools. Rest in peace. Our condolences to all her family.

    Ivanka Moulton (And the Moulton Family, David and Marie) October 13, 2021