Cathy was so many things to so many people over the years. She was the person who could literally walk into a room full of strangers and make everyone her friend. She did not have a shy bone in her body. She was the most genuine person you ever met in your life. She made everyone feel better, feel good about themselves, and feel lucky to know someone like her. To describe her to someone who never met her, just think of a warm hug. That’s Cathy in a nutshell. She embraced and accepted everyone as they were. She would help you out of anything. She cared about everyone. She had time for everyone. She was so very kind and had endless compassion for all. 

In lieu of flowers, we appreciate donations in support of The Cathy Valenti Kindness & Compassionate Care Award at UHN which was established in 2020 after she suffered the life-altering and catastrophic hemorrhagic stroke. Kindness and compassion are virtues that Cathy exemplified throughout each day of her life, and selflessly imparted upon everyone who crossed her path. Our family wishes to recognize the dedication and empathetic service of nurses, personal support workers, and allied health professionals within the South 3, Complex Continuing Care Unit at E.W. Bickle Centre, part of Toronto Rehab Institute.  They are truly angels, and we are so grateful for the incredible care they provided to Cathy over her four years here. The goal of this award is to enable the recipients to partake in wellness and self-care centred activities, which in turn serve to help them continuously provide patients and their families with the best possible supportive care.