The orienteering community is in mourning after the sudden passing of Marie-Catherine Bruno, affectionately known as “Marie-Cat.” News of her death spread through social media and online forums in late September 2018, leaving many in shock and disbelief. This discussion thread captures the outpouring of grief and fond memories shared by those who knew and loved Marie-Cat, highlighting the profound impact she had on the lives of many.
A Shocking Loss and Shared Grief
The initial message, posted by jjcote, simply stated the tragic news: Marie-Catherine Bruno had passed away the previous week. The thread quickly filled with responses from friends and acquaintances, each expressing their sadness and shock. Suzanne poignantly asked about sending condolences, while mikeminium echoed the sentiments of many with a simple “shocking news. so sad.” Bash’s post reflected the community’s collective search for more information and a way to express their sympathy, demonstrating the immediate desire to support Marie-Cat’s family and partner during this difficult time.
Remembering Marie-Cat’s Vibrant Personality
As details emerged, shared by bmay, the community learned that Marie-Cat’s passing was due to a brain aneurysm after collapsing at a wedding in Ontario. The tributes that followed painted a vivid picture of a woman full of life, humor, and kindness. o-maps described her as a “vibrant person,” and bmay shared a heartwarming anecdote about Marie-Cat’s playful acceptance of the nickname “SAB” (Skinny Ass Bitch), showcasing her great sense of humor and ability to take things in stride.
Eddie provided a link to Marie-Cat’s bio from her orthotics practice, “The Sole Mate,” in Vernon, B.C., offering a glimpse into her professional life. He also shared photos from a memorable ski trip to Lake Tahoe, capturing her expressive nature and the joy she brought to those around her.
Cristina fondly remembered Marie-Cat’s playful side, recalling their nicknames for each other, “Plastic Wonder” and “Captain Bellini,” highlighting the fun-loving dynamic of their friendship. slauenstein emphasized Marie-Cat’s positive influence, particularly on younger orienteers, describing her as “sunshine” and someone who made orienteering “cool.”
j-man eloquently captured Marie-Cat’s infectious personality, describing her as injecting “delicious absurdity into everything” and possessing “an infectious vivaciousness and a soul that was pure gold.” Bash shared a piece of valuable advice Marie-Cat had given her about focusing on successes as well as errors after races, illustrating her insightful and supportive nature.
Marie-Cat’s Impact on the Orienteering World
Beyond her vibrant personality, Marie-Cat was clearly a respected and influential figure in the orienteering community. Zanderkerr shared how Marie-Cat had supported his athletic career as a physiotherapist, pedorthist, and coach, leading to his best results. jeffw recounted humorous anecdotes that showcased her competitive spirit and playful banter within the community, further solidifying her memorable presence.
Eddie’s story about the “bonus” slides prank at the OUSA convention, involving Joe, revealed Marie-Cat’s mischievous side and her ability to create lighthearted moments even in professional settings. Joe’s own comment, remembering Marie-Cat’s voice and smile, underscores the lasting impression she made on people.
Several commenters, like slow-twitch and LOST_Richard, mentioned that even brief encounters with Marie-Cat felt like connecting with an old friend, emphasizing her warmth and genuine connection with others. kwilliams’ simple message, “Candie loves and will miss Barbie,” speaks volumes about the depth of personal connections Marie-Cat fostered.
Memorial and Legacy
The discussion thread also served as a platform for sharing information about memorial arrangements. jeffw provided details about both the funeral in Laval, Quebec, and the celebration of life in SilverStar, Vernon, B.C. Charm shared a link to the Facebook event for the SilverStar celebration and a GoFundMe page for the Marie-Cat Bruno Snow Sports Legacy Fund, established by her partner Simon. This fund serves as a testament to her passion for sports and her lasting impact on the community.
A Lasting Impression
The collective memories shared in this discussion thread paint a portrait of Marie-Catherine “Marie-Cat” Bruno as a remarkable woman who touched many lives. Her vibrant personality, infectious humor, and genuine kindness left an indelible mark on the orienteering community and beyond. While her sudden passing is a profound loss, the memories and legacy of Marie-Cat will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift those who knew her. Her spirit, as described by j-man, was truly “live electricity,” a “super nova in a dark room,” and that radiant energy will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
For those wishing to honor Marie-Cat’s memory, donations to the Marie-Cat Bruno Snow Sports Legacy Fund are welcomed here.
