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Daughter, sister, wife, friend, engineer, artist, community volunteer. It is with heavy hearts that the family of Katalin (Kati) Piroska Futo announce that the world has become a little less interesting.
Kati passed away peacefully, after a battle with cancer at Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre with her sister, Valerie Futo, by her side. She was 71.
She leaves behind her sister, Valerie Futo, and her brother-in-law, John Woods, and many dear friends from across Canada and around the world.
Katalin was born in 1952 in Budapest, Hungary and emigrated to Canada in 1967 with her parents, Katalin Futo and Laszlo Futo (predeceased) and her younger sister, Valerie. She attended UBC where she learned to speak English and graduated with a degree in Engineering from Concordia University in Montreal. She became a structural engineer at time when there were not many women in the field. Her career took her all over the world - from China and Romania to Korea and Argentina - working on the CANDU nuclear power plants. Her duties included design verification, engineering and senior technical advising.
In 1993, Kati met Albert Kish and, as they say, the rest is history. They married in 2000. Albert was an award-winning filmmaker at the National Film Board of Canada. After his death in 2015 Kati settled in Cobourg in 2016.
In 2011, after Kati had retired from her engineering career, Albert encouraged her to explore her creative side. She took up painting and became active in the arts community in Cobourg. She was past Treasurer of the Cobourg Arts Club, past Treasurer of the Pine Ridge Art Association (PRAA) and an active member of the Friday Morning Art Club at the time of her death. She exhibited her paintings in several art shows in Northumberland County. For her obituary, instead of a photograph, Kati chose one of her own paintings, “Self Portrait with Pearl Earring”, which nicely captures her character and quirky sense of humour.
She will be sorely missed by her many dear friends.
A gathering to celebrate the life of Kati will be held MacCoubrey Funeral Home in Cobourg, ON Saturday, October 28th from 2-4 pm.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Art Gallery of Northumberland or Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre.
A special thank you to the staff at Northumberland Hills Hospital and Ed’s House for the care and compassion shown to Kati in her final days.
I am sorry to hear that Katalin has passed away. Katalin was in our engineering and I remember her well. She was an outstanding student and a great classmate. The profession is missing an “all star”.
Valerie, so sorry to hear about the death of Kati. My condolences to the family.
October 28 2023 ... my sincere Condolences for the loss of your dear Kati ... I'm very sorry to have missed today's Celebration of Life ... I first met Kati in Picton having know her husband Albert in Montreal where we both worked at the National Film Board ... Valerie I recall the day I met you ... you were in Prince Edward County ... it was Canada Day among the many celebrations that day I was singing with Shout Sister Choir who performed ... I'm deeply sorry for the loss your sister she was a unique kind strong creative loving warm caring human being with a terrific sense of humour ... her journey into the art of painting proved to be extraordinary ... she was so very gifted as the work she achieved proves so beautifully ~ I was glad to be among her friends ... may her expansive spirit REST in PEACE ...
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Art Gallery of Northumberland - Victoria Hall
My condolences to you all for Kati’s passing. I met and enjoyed many interesting talks with her our art meetings at the PRAA art group.
Kati was smart, talented, warm-hearted, determined & possessed a quirky sense of humour. I enjoyed knowing her & only wish it had been longer. Sincere condolences to her family & close friends. I just had surgery or would be at McCoubrey’s today to honour Kati.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
My sincere condolences to Katy's family. I met Katy in Cernavoda, in the nineties, when Romania finished the first CANDU-6, with AECL. Rarely have I met such a beautiful and strong character both in human relations and the engineering profession. She will live always in our hearts.
Dear Valerie, It made my heart sink tonight when I googled Katalin, after her email didn't work anymore. Because of her illness, I feared the worst, and that is why I googled her. Valerie, I did not know your sister, Katalin for long, but I did come to love her dearly in that short time, as did all of her classmates in her Zoom art class with the Canadian Glaze Oil Society. She was gifted, very determined and so very, very kind. Not to mention smart as a whip, straightforward and so brave with her illness. I feel loss after such a short period, so I can only imagine what you feel as her sister, of a whole lifetime. God bless you in your grieving of this wonderful person who was your sister. My sincere condolences. Kathy Marlene Bailey
My deepest condolences to Katy's family. I met Katy in Cernavoda, many years ago, but never forgot her warm smile and friendly disposition. God rest her in peace. Her memory will stay with us...
Sorry to hear about Katy's passing. Valerie and John, my deepest and most considerate sympathy for your loss. I met Katy while working in Romania; with her open personality and ease in communicating with people she made friends with everyone in the office. Memories of my conversations with Katy, of our casual conversations on AECL's hallways, of our occasional e-mail exchanges will always stay with me. Katy was a wonderful human being! Violeta
This is such sad news. I knew Kati when I lived in Vancouver 40 years ago. Although we lost touch personally, I heard of her through mutual friends and knew she was terminally ill. And still it comes as a shock to hear that such a vibrant person is no longer here. My deepest condolences, Valerie, and to all those who knew and loved her.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
So very sorry to hear of Katy's recent death. I met her at the Horticultural Society and then learned of her talent in art....in addition to her accomplishments in engineering and her love of Albert and of travelling. She was a 'light'.... I will miss her....
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Art Gallery of Northumberland - Victoria Hall
Val we are very sorry to hear of Katie’s passing we will miss her very much it has been a pleasure knowing Katie as a friend and neighbour and we feel lucky to have known her so well
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Val, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved sister. I know from our conversations at rug hooking how close the two of you were and how deeply she will be missed. My sincere condolences to you and your husband. Anne
Dear Val, my sincere condolences on the loss of your sister Kati. She was a very talented and generous person and will be missed by many. Your friend Gisele
Very sorry for your loss Valerie and John. Kati was an amazing artist whose growth was astounding in especially the last three years. Her portrait really shows much more than a photo as much of her soul is revealed in her gentle application of colour. She was a very kind neighbour and another blessing on Chapel Street. We hope she has the secrets of the universe in everlasting peace. Love you Kati! Jenny Duda and Randy Richardson
my heart sank with this news of Kati's passing ... she remained a mighty fighter that she was ... a wise funny experienced woman ... a lover of life and the Arts ... An Artist ... an Extraordinary Painter ... a dear unique generous warm fun loving friend ... to Kati's family and many friends ~ please accept my heartfelt condolences ~ here's to Kati's remarkable spirit
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
She was really missed. I admired her intelligence and love of arts. Rest in peace.
Valarie My sincere condolences to you and your family on the death of your dear Kati.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Just read of Kati's passing . She was a quiet , friendly neighbour . I wish I had been able to get to know her better - she certainly was a multi -talented lady .
We indeed have lost a brilliant mind, charming personality and wonderful friend. I was fortunate enough to meet Kati through her sister Valerie and enjoyed many times together. She will be greatly missed and I am thankful that her battle with cancer is over. Her memory will live on!
I am glad to have met Kati and been able to exchange ideas. Her broad experience and talents made everything more interesting and her lively personality a pleasure. She made many contributions to the local community in the few years we were lucky to have her. She will remain in my thoughts. Fond regards and condolences.
Our heartfelt condolences to Kati's family. I worked with her in Canton/AECL. Sara & Sumathi
My sincere condolences to family. I knew Katalin when I lived on Chapel
Kati was a remarkable woman. Unforgettable too. Susan and I were fortunate to have made her acquaintance. We'll miss her. A donation was made to Ed's House in honour of Kati.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Katalin studying oil painting with me in Greece five years ago. She loved learning the process of painting and we kept in touch, frequently sharing articles about art. She sent me photos of recent work which I always delighted in seeing. I remember that she brought me a bottle of Icewine and I was astonished that she got it through in her hand luggage. When I asked her how, she said she simply told the airport inspector that it was a gift for her teacher and she must take it. ! That was her personality, spunky and charming! I will miss her.
My sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy Val and John on the passing of your precious Kati . Kati was an inspiration to anyone facing adversity, she fought so hard to win this battle. I will miss her shining eyes and quick smile with her sense of humour. Val , you were the most amazing and loving sister to Kati . Kati will be missed . Hugs to you my friend Bev
My heartfelt condolences to you Valerie and John. You stood by Kati’s side all through her illness with patience and love. Wishing you peace in the days to come. Kati will forever be in our hearts. We are fortunate to have been part of Kati’s family and friendship. May our dear Kati (lady with the pearl earning) rest in peace?❤️
Dear Valerie, I am sorry to hear this sad news. Reading your tribute, I can distinctly see the ever-present twinkle in her eye, and hear her infectious laugh. I enjoyed gallery visits with her and Albert over the years and was happy to see her in Cobourg. I regret not seeing her more often, but knew she was always occupied with something fascinating. My sincere condolences to you and her family, stephen
Val, thinking of you with love and wishing you peace as you face your future without the presence of your dear sister. Judy
Farewell to Kati and condolences to Val & John and her many friends. She was a lovely, creative and funny person. I will miss her greatly.
I am so sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed our conversations during her appointments when we would reminisce on Hungarian recipes, art and life. Her enthusiasm was contagious.
Sorry sorry for your lose Val. I know you will miss your sister very much. Just know she is in a better place. Take care of yourself my friend. Lynne.
Deepest condolences, I met Kati through Midas she such a positive wonderful lady. I will miss seeing her smile.
Val, I am so sorry to hear of your sister’s passing. Your dedication to and care for her were absolutely amazing. I know there is a huge hole in your heart but I hope your warm memories will bring you some comfort. Susan Keill, your Wednesday quilting buddy.
Kati’s friends from The Cobourg Northshore Probus Club would like to extend their sympathy to Valerie, John and her many dear friends. We will miss her at our meetings and events.
I wish my sincere condolences to dear Valerie. Kati and I started communicating before her Paris art trip. She was a multicultural, retired professional woman very artistic. My prayers are going to her and the family.
I enjoyed many walks and coffee shop chats with Kati during her time as my neighbour on University Avenue. She had a delightful sense of fun and humour as well as a sympathetic ear, and a fierce pride in her career as a female engineer. We are thinking about Kati's family during this difficult time.
Dear Valerie we are so sorry for your loss. I liked your sister so much when we met for lunch. She was so gracious, talented and a great conversationalist. She was truly fortunate to have you take such great care of her. Lynn Haas (Karen’s sister)
I am all the richer for knowing Kati. I already miss this amazing woman but she is with me in all that we talked about together and all that I learned from her. My deepest sympathy to Valerie and her family.