We Remember
CUNNINGHAM-HUSTON, Catherine
July 16, 1950 — August 6, 2026
Catherine Cunningham-Huston, 76, of Kelowna, died August 6, 2026, at Kelowna General Hospital.
The multi-talented Catherine, a native of Ottawa who rejected the 9-to-5 life, worked in an office only reluctantly. Before moving to Kelowna, she acted in children’s theatre, was a radio announcer at CBC Inuvik, and taught English as a Second Language. With a degree in French-to-English translation from the University of Ottawa, she worked for the Canadian Department of the Secretary of State before heading English Editorial Services at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. She also wrote speeches for federal government ministers and edited publications as a partner in Eye of the Storm Communications.
After relocating to Kelowna in 2015, Catherine developed Charcot foot and received a transplanted kidney. She was a type-1 diabetic for almost fifty years, and late in life was legally blind. Despite these impairments, however, she was optimistic and an inspiration to all who worked with her. As an actor, director, and writer, she never stopped engaging with the arts community. The Walk, her play about global sex trafficking, was produced many times to great acclaim in Ottawa and Kelowna. She was also responsible for creating the Eye for Love Tour, a film exploring the role of love in the lives of everyday Canadians through interviews undertaken on a cross-country bus tour. The film has been screened at film festivals in the United States and Mexico.
A playwright who wrote her own script, Catherine is survived by her husband, Gene Bodzin. Heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Kelowna General Hospital who treated Catherine attentively and compassionately in her final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.



I am so very sorry to hear of Catherine’s passing. She was one of my heroes, overcoming many obstacles and challenges while continuing to create powerful works of theatre and also being a very good friend. I was fortunate to have been in her powerful and important play THE WALK both times it was produced in Kelowna. I cherished our friendship and will miss her. My condolences to Gene and all her family and friends.
Catherine was an inspiring, encouraging and courageous soul! Her support when I was first getting into the performance arts meant so much to me. I’ll always remember the intimate and creative times she provided for a group of us as we met at her place for almost a year. We collaborated, shared stories and practiced our creativity. She was a safe place for us to try new things. She went the distance for others and always showed her support .
Thank you Catherine, from the bottom of my heart for being so supportive in my creative Journey. May you rest in peace! Gloria ❤️
I worked with Catherine on her final play, and witnessed the courage and imagination she carried into every moment of creation. An inspiring artist — a bold, generous maker of theatre. Her loss is felt deeply.
For Gene, you were her best friend, her greatest support and long time love. I felt her strongly this year and heard her voice saying goodbye so I looked her up and found this tribute. You were both at my side through so many years, so kind and generous with your friendship. Catherine always had my back and was a great listener. You are both family. I was so happy for her as she wrote her play The Walk and had it produced. Your Love tour, which I remember being interviewed for was a marvelous expression of who she was and how much she truly loved life. You are both always in my heart. Love you Catherine. I know you are really not that far away. Blessings to you Gene. Hope to see you again. Love, Cheryl xo xo