Dr. Catherine Fichten

It is with deep regret and sorrow that the family announces the peaceful passing of Cathy, on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Beloved and adored wife of Jacob for fifty-eight years. Devoted daughter of the late John and the late Zita Martos. Dearest sister-in-law of Ronnie and the late Jack Rotter, Hymie and Nellie Fichtenbaum. Beloved niece of the late Agnis and late Karcsy Harsanyi, Susan Jonvik and Inta Zuagulis, and cousin of the late Adam. Adored by her nephews and niece, Jake Harris, David Harris, Will Harris; Ian (Jordana) Fichtenbaum, Avi Fichtenbaum; Philip Lassman(Debbie Kalisky) Lori Lassman (Fred Gallo) and grand-nieces and grand-nephew, Ivanna, Matthew, Libby and Daphne. She will be missed by her dearest friends, Claudia Bourdon and Stuart Johnson, as well as by her many friends and colleagues.

Catherine S. Fichten, Ph.D. (McGill) was a Professor in the Psychology Department at Dawson College and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry of McGill University. She co-directed the Adaptech Research Network/Réseau de Recherche Adaptech, a bilingual multidisciplinary research team that conducts research on higher education and disability. Her research interests included factors affecting the success of college and university students with various disabilities, with a focus on technologies. She was also a clinical psychologist and researcher at the Behavioral Psychotherapy and Research Unit of the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal where she focuses on aspects of sleep and insomnia.  She published extensively in both English and French with colleagues and students and held research grants from both provincial and federal funding agencies.

Catherine was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Canadian Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Contributions to Public or Community service the Prix Reconnaissance of the Association pour la recherche au collégial (ARC), the Prix de l'ARC for contribution to the development of students’ scientific careers, and most recently the CSUN Assistive Technology Fred Strache Leadership Award for mentoring students and leadership in research on disability and assistive technology, and the Prix Denise-Barbeau of the Association francophone pour le savoir (ACFAS) for the excellence and visibility of her work and its impact. 

A meaningful recognition is extended to Dr. Eva Libman. Dr. Alice Havel, Dr. Sally Bailes and Suzie Wileman, and the many students who have passed through her adaptech lab, all of whom were like family to Cathy. Graveside service on Friday, November 1 at 2:00 p.m. at the Shomrim Laboker Congregation Cemetery, Beth Hamedresh Hagodol Section, de la Savane. Shiva strictly private. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Montreal S.P.C.A., 514-735-2711.

Cathy’s legacy is evident by her amazing list of accomplishments.