DLSPH Remembers Cathy Fooks
January 3/2021
Photo Credit: The Patient Ombudsman
It is with a very sad and heavy heart that I share the news of the untimely passing of Cathy Fooks due to a tragic accident. Since July 2020, Cathy held the role of Patient Ombudsman for Ontario, after 13 years as the President and CEO of The Change Foundation.
We send our deep-felt condolences to her husband and DLSPH faculty member, Terrence Sullivan, her four children and their partners, her two grandchildren, and the rest of her immediate and extended family.
This is a heartbreaking and devastating loss for so many. Cathy was a forward-thinking leader in Ontario’s healthcare sector. Among her many accomplishments, Cathy pushed through barriers to make meaningful improvements to the patient and family caregiver experience. She was a visionary in engagement and co-design with patients and caregivers that will benefit the healthcare system for years to come. Cathy was a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, leader, mentor and friend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cathy’s memory to the caregiver programs at any of the Changing CARE partnership organizations: Sinai Health System, Woodgreen Community Services, St. Joseph’s Healthcare London, Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, Cornwall Community Hospital or a caregiver program/organization of choice.
Adalsteinn Brown
Dean and Professor
Dalla Lana School of Public Health