A Final Word from Cathy Lynn Buchanan

If you’re reading this, it means I’ve finally traded my garden for a set of wings - or perhaps, a very large, sparkling diamond.

I was born in Truro, the daughter of the late Roy and Shirley (Vance) Hollingsworth, but I was a Bible Hill girl through and through. While my roots were in the village, the life I built with my handsome husband, Michael "Mikey", and our daughter, Brylin "Baby Girl" was my true world. Mikey, thank you for 38 years of being my rock; I loved every second of spending time and laughing with you, and I am so proud of how we endured all of life’s ups and downs together, side-by-side.

Then there is Brylin. Being your Mom was the greatest privilege of my life, but just knowing you was my greatest joy. I loved every second we spent together – the talks, the laughs, and just being in your presence. Watching you grow into the amazing, beautiful woman you are today was the highlight of my life. Seeing you thrive and navigate the world with such grace made me prouder than words can say. Throughout these last years, Mikey and Bry were always by my side, supporting me and caring for me with a devotion that meant everything to me.

I spent my life striving to make things look beautiful. I loved the world of sales – from books, to toys, to the print industry – but my true passion was jewellery. I loved the diamonds and the sparkle.

I loved to travel, especially with my family. Some of my absolute favourite memories were ringing in the New Year in Las Vegas with the Buohnstons and that incredible Mediterranean cruise we all took together when Pam and I both beat cancer for the first time.

For nearly ten years, I lived with Liposarcoma. Please, do me one last favour: do not call me brave. Do not call me a warrior, and don’t you dare say I "lost a battle". I didn’t "battle" anything; I simply lived my life as best I could while dealing with a rare disease.

My later years taught me the most important lesson of all: what "true family" really means. It isn’t just words; it is the friends and family who stick by you, who show up when things get hard, and who never let you feel alone. I am so grateful I spent my final years surrounded by that genuine kind of love.

My real life was found in the gardens I created, the way I  transformed a space for Christmas, and the peace of the lake. There was nothing better than hanging out with Mikey and the wildlife and enjoying the water. I am so happy to be reunited with Pam; our husbands always said we do everything together, so it’s only fitting we’re starting this next chapter together, too. To my amazing blended family – Greg, Kelsey, Courtney and my "other daughter" Abbi – you are and always will be family to us.

I was one of ten children. To my siblings, Judy, Ivy, Shelley and Eddie, and my late brother, Darrell: we weren’t always a "big happy family", but you were my history. Caring for my sister, Carolyn and her late partner, Larry, alongside Mikey and Brylin was a true honour; Carolyn, you are amazing and I love you so much. A special thank you to Ardy and Glen, who always made sure to stay in touch; Ardy, our daily connection meant the world to me. Regarding Buffy, my niece who was adopted into the family as a sister; despite the silence you’ve practiced for years, I want you to know that I did love you; I leave you now with that love and the hope you find whatever peace you’re looking for.

To my oodles of nieces and nephews: I hope you remember me whenever you see something that sparkles.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many doctors and nurses who have helped me over the years. There are far too many to name individually, but please know that you all helped me so much, and I am deeply grateful for your care, especially the little spitfire of a surgeon, Lucy Helyer, who helped herself to many of my organs and still managed to keep me chugging along for years.

In lieu of flowers, I’d like to do one last nice thing for my friends. Please consider a donation to Colchester Stroke Club. I’d like to buy them lunch for the next little while.

When you think of me, raise a glass, put on your finest jewellery, and make something look beautiful. Go buy yourself a diamond you’ve been eyeing, plant a perennial that will bloom for years, or head to the lake and enjoy the water. Life is meant to sparkle, so make sure yours does.

-Cathy

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Cathy’s family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m., Friday, June 5, 2026. Private interment in Bible Hill Cemetery at a later date.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com