Indomitable spirit

Catherine Mary Burke was strong and motivated in ways many of us could never imagine.

She was known for fighting the good fight, and she fought as hard as she could for as long as she could. But something set her apart. Even when it was too late for her, she insisted cancer survival rates had to be better for other women. And they are today because of her fierce determination.

Burke died on Nov. 29, 2025, at age 67 after courageously facing breast cancer for more than a decade.

Cathy Burke revelled in nature. (Supplied)

“She had breast cancer for 16 per cent of her life. She became an advocate with Dense Breasts Canada. No one told her about the risks or offered her access to additional screening. She turned outward to help others. She joined forces with others to form a strong advocacy team in Manitoba, attended meetings at CancerCare,” said Cathy’s husband Patrick Burke.

“Now women in Manitoba receive essential information and have a chance to be proactive,” said Patrick. “Other provinces were encouraged to follow. She stepped up for better policies. Her legacy in the breast screening is a significant one.”

Read more about Cathy Burke in our weekly A Life’s Story feature.

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'An important historical witness'

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Sopheng Cheang, The Associated Press:

Bou Meng, a Cambodian artist and survivor of a Khmer Rouge torture center, has died at 85

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'All great art rests on telling the truth'

Mark Rydell, the Oscar-nominated director of the sentimental blockbuster “On Golden Pond” who worked with such Hollywood heavyweights as Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, Steve McQueen and John Wayne, has died. He was 97.

Beth Harris, The Associated Press:

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John Raby, The Associated Press:

Don Nelson, second-winningest NBA coach who won 5 titles as a Celtics player, dies at 86

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Key in leading Toyota’s global expansion

In his 45-year career at Toyota, Hiroshi Okuda is especially remembered for having led the development of the gas-electric hybrid Prius, introduced in 1997, a model with the fuel-efficient technology that was ground-breaking at that time.

Yuri Kageyama, The Associated Press:

Hiroshi Okuda, who led Toyota’s climb as a global automaker, dies at 93

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How They Lived

Read about the lives of great Winnipeggers and Manitobans on our Passages website.

Until next week, may you continue to write your own life’s story.

Sunday Passages