Catherine was born in Yeovil on June 16, 1930, youngest child of Sylvia and Stanley Engelsen. The family moved to Bethnel Green, then Ilford, in Essex until 1939 when the children were evacuated to an uncle and aunt in Nymet Rowland near Crediton.
But they were not happy and persuaded their parents to take them home and the family moved to Waltham Abbey. Their mother was an opera singer, touring with ENSA, her father was a pharmacist with his own shop where Catherine worked until she married Walter Webb in 1951.
They had three children - Catherine, Valerie and Jane. Catherine started a dance school in the family home in South Benfleet in 1963 with classes in a studio there and on Canvey Island, Benfleet and Basildon.
An artistic and talented lady, Catherine was writing the scripts and choreographing her own shows, taking part in carnivals including the torchlight procession in Southend.
In the early 1970s, Catherine moved to Devon and, with dancing being her main passion, the Catherine Holland School of Dancing opened in Crediton with classes at North Tawton and Moretonhampstead.
Her daughters wrote: “Over the years some of Catherine’s students were from different generations of the same family. Catherine influenced the lives of many through the joy of dance and some of the students went on to achieve their passion within the dance world in a professional capacity.
“Catherine possessed a creative talent in the making of and painting scenery for her shows, which would often involve the help of family and friends and with the costumes.
“Small trailers were used for transporting scenery which varied from a giant mushroom from Alice in Wonderland to Neptune’s throne in Pinocchio and giant papier-mâché dinosaurs!
“This caused much hilarity and astonishment amongst pedestrians and passing drivers. These shows raised money for her favourite charity, Guide Dogs for the Blind.
“Catherine also took part in the carnival and produced spectacular floats which very often would win first prize and be presented with a silver cup!
“Whilst teaching in Moretonhampstead, Catherine came across a pottery for sale, and without too much thought, bought the business and started making pottery. She was never afraid of a challenge, and with the same zest, took on the unknown.”
Her other love was her dogs, she would often take in strays, through her life caring for animals and wildlife.
With four grandchildren, her family grew and this century she became a great grandmother to nine children.
In 2009 Catherine gave up her dance school and much-loved home, Toll Cottage at Chenson, near Lapford (where she had moved from Crediton) to go to Whitchurch in Hampshire where she enjoyed life with her dog and seeing all the family.
Her funeral service is to be held on June 5 at 3.30pm with family only at Charlton Park Crematorium, Charlton Down, Andover, Hampshire SP11 0TA. The streamed link is available at: www.obitus.com . The username is Cata5731 and the Password is 898947. If people wish to make a donation in Catherine’s memory, the family has suggested Guide Dogs for the Blind.