Cathy Williamson was well known in her community
Cathy Williamson sadly died on December 23(Image: Veronica McClure)
Tributes have been paid to a “nan of Old Swan” who had a “big heart for everyone” after she died, just days before Christmas. Cathy Williamson died peacefully in the care home where she lived on December 23.
The 85-year-old, from Old Swan, who was known in the community for “wearing her little poncho” and browsing charity shops with her shopping trolley, was loved by many and became “like family” to some. Following her death, dozens of tributes have been paid to the ‘nan’ figure, who gave the “best hugs.”
Veronica McClure, 47, from Knotty Ash, told the ECHO how she had known Cathy, who was “one of a kind,” since she was a child. She said: “She was just one of a kind, I can’t explain in words what she was like.
“She loved animals, she loved dogs, she adored my two dogs and adored anyone else’s. She was just one of a kind, loved going around charity shops talking to people, going to car boot sales, cafes. She was one of those people who you would get speaking to, everyone knew her and everyone has memories and stories of their time with her.
“I’ve known her since my childhood, my grandmother used to visit her, then I lost my grandmother, then she came to my house and then I lost my mum so then she’d visit me. Cathy had no family, but she was part of my family, we were her family.”
Veronica recalled how Cathy “loved” to visit Blackpool and would often go multiple times a year. She said: “She loved Blackpool, she would take us there, she loved everything about it. She would go a couple of times a year on holidays by herself, she would go for day trips too. For her 80th birthday we took her to Blackpool – five years ago – we have lots of lovely photos and memories.
Cathy and Veronica with her two dogs, who she loved(Image: Veronica McClure)
“I have got so many memories with her, she would come and visit me everyday. She was very well known in my area. She was unbelievable, she would sing, dance and was always a joyful person with a big heart for everyone.”
Other tributes to Cathy, who was “always smiling,“ were shared on Facebook. Su Benson Carson said: “So sad, lovely lady, always had a laugh with Cath when I had the café many moons ago. She was such a character. Fly high beautiful soul.“ Sandra Platt always said: “Rip Cathy. I remember you [were] always nice to my children and always smiling.“
Janet Ikemefule added: “I remember working in Sayers back in 1985, Cathy never changed she looked the same, always chatty, smiley and collected papers back then. R.I.P Cathy.“
Other tributes recalled how “lovely“ Cathy was. Elaine Stanley said: “She wasn’t one to stay in. She was a lovely lady. May she rip with the angels“ and Margo Miller added: “She was a character [who] gave great hugs.“ Clare Ryan wrote: “Was a lovely lady rip.“