Socrates famously argued that philosophy is preparation for death, and Epicurus maintained that death was nothing to him. But Epicurus’ garden was famous as a society of friends, and Socrates’ comrades were so devoted to him that they offered to buy him out of prison rather than allow him to be executed. Whatever abstract strength the philosophical commitment to accepting the finitude of life might be, it is not possible to care about others and agree that their death is nothing. And so the members of the Department of Philosophy, faculty, students, and staff, collectively and individually mourn the loss of our colleague and friend, Dr. Catherine Hundleby. Cate’s death was so unexpected, so sudden, that none of us has really been able to come to grips with it. All that we know is that our loss is immense. Cate was a devoted teacher, a mentor to both graduate and undergraduate students, an award winning leader for equity in the University, and a pathbreaking scholar whose work in feminism and argumentation was gaining increasing international renown. Cate knew when to make the hard argument and she knew when to laugh.
The Philosophy Department, in association with Interdisciplinary and Critical Studies (Women and Gender Studies), will be holding a memorial to celebrate the life of Dr. Catherine Hundleby. The event will take place on Friday, September 29, 2023, in the Freed-Orman Centre, University of Windsor Campus. The gathering will begin at 12:30 p.m. and the Centre will remain open until 4:00 p.m. to provide people with a place for casual conversation, shared remembrances, and other less formal interactions. The celebration will be live-streamed, for those who are unable to attend the event. Light refreshments will be provided.
We kindly ask that you RSVP to the Department of Philosophy, philos@uwindsor.ca (subject line Sept 29 RSVP); and please indicate if you're planning on attending in person or via live-stream.
For anyone interested in contributing to the Dr. Catherine Hundleby Memorial Fund, please click on the link below. You will be brought to a page called "Support Windsor." On the page you will find a section titled "Designation: Philosophy Trust." Directly under this you will see a section labeled "Leave a Comment (Optional)." In this section you should type the following comment: "Dr. C. Hundleby Memorial Fund". This will ensure that your donation is sent to the right location.
Dr. Catherine Hundleby Memorial Fund
If you are donating using a Cheque, please add "payable to 'The University of Windsor' with "Dr. C. Hundleby Memorial Fund" in the Memo section of the Cheque.