Obituary of Caitlin Louisa Arksey

ARKSEY: Caitlin Louisa (June 24, 1988 – March 21, 2009). Peacefully on Saturday, March 21, 2009 Caitlin Arksey of Brandon, at the age of 20 years passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at the Assinboine Centre in Brandon. Caitlin is survived by her parents Terry and Catherine Arksey; brothers Andrew and Braden; grandparents Les and Svava Arksey of Langruth, MB and Marcella Armitage of Moose Jaw. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She will also be missed by her boyfriend Andrew. She was predeceased by her grandparents Keith (2007) and Muriel (1989) Armitage of Miniota. Caitlin was born and raised in Dauphin, MB. She obtained all of her schooling in Dauphin before moving to Brandon to take her B. Sc. Degree at Brandon University. She was in her 3rd year at the time of her passing. Her life-long goal was to become a pharmacist. Caitlin was a very active young girl in her early years having a passion for school, sports and music. She excelled in all of them, obtaining her Grade 8 in piano, playing in the school's regular band program and jazz band. Her athletic, competitive nature and abilities allowed her to do very well in sports including golf, fastball and her favorite - hockey. Caitlin had many friends during her life, always making time for everyone. Caitlin's good nature and smile were welcomed by all. She was a hard worker and held numerous jobs after school and on her summer breaks. She was a loyal, faithful employee who took pride in all she did. Caitlin was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma in September 2003; whereby she began an intense series of 18 rounds of chemotherapy and a complex surgery on her leg in Vancouver in December 2003. She returned to school the following year still active with her friends, in her music and participating in sports with a prosthetic leg. Further complications arose in May 2007 when the cancer re-occurred in her lungs resulting in further surgery, but no treatments. In October 2008 another rare cancer appeared (leimyosarcoma) in her body requiring more surgery and radiation. This cancer spread rapidly resulting in her passing. But, never once did she complain! She was always concerned and looking out for others, both family and friends. She will be fondly remembered as a courageous young lady with time and a smile for all. Caitlin will be cherished by all those who had come to know her. A Celebration of Caitlin's Life was held at Central United Church, 327-8th Street, Brandon, MB, on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Shannon McCarthy officiating. A private family interment followed at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Donations in memory of Caitlin may be made to: The Caitlin Arksey Foundation at Scotia Bank, Brandon Shoppers Mall, 1570-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5C5. To visit Caitlin's website, go to http://www.lifetributes.com/CaitlinArksey