Catherine Ann Phalen

Donkin

It is with great sadness that we the family of Catherine Phalen in her 76th year, announce her passing on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Seaview Manor Nursing Home, Glace Bay following a lengthy battle of 15 years with Semantic Dementia. Born in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of the late Jerry and Florence (MacDonald) Green. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her twin brother, Donald Green. Catherine is survived by her husband of 52 years, Syl Phalen; son Jason (Andrea) Phalen; daughter, Jennifer (Jason) Snow; the loves of her life, her three precious grandchildren, Connolly and Isla Snow and Sydney Phalen. She is also survived by her sisters, Beverley (Bruce) Vatcher, Marlene (Leif) Morrison, Sheila (M J MacKinnon), Lorelei Dillon; brothers, Kevin (Donna) Green and Keith (Karen) Green as well as many nieces and nephews.

Catherine was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Anglican Church where she for many years, sang in the choir as well as taught confirmation classes and started a nursery program. She was a graduate of C.B. Business College, employed in many dental offices, Atomic Energy of Canada, Devco, Oceanside Assistance Glace Bay and retiring from Coastal Business Development Opportunities, Sydney where she was the Sr. Business Development Officer. Catherine also taught night school at Central School for many years. In later years, she went back to school and obtained her Canadian Institute of Management (CIM) Diploma and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from CBU.

Catherine’s kindness had no boundaries as she touched many lives and has left an imprint on many hearts. She was an all-round special lady. Every summer Catherine, Syl and their children could be found on Ben Eoin Campground where they enjoyed all facets of the park. She was an avid swimmer and every day she swam 200 strokes in the Bras d’or Lakes. Catherine was a talented lady and loved to cook, bake, sew and above all entertain her family at Christmas and summer gatherings at the trailer. On her honeymoon down in Maine her and Syl saw their first Irish Setter Dog and that began a wonderful friendship with five Setters over the years.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Seaview Manor who provided the comfort, love and support during her illness.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay.

A visitation will be held Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 12 to 2 p.m. with a memorial service to follow with Rev. Darlene Jewers officiating taking place at St. Mary’s Parish, Marconi St., Glace Bay, NS.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of NS.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.

Live-streaming will be available for those who are unable to attend.https://www.facebook.com/100077527872694/live_videos/