Catherine was a gentle, quiet woman who loved her family and spun beautiful yarn to knit and crochet lovely items. I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with her and I learned lessons from her about perseverance and overcoming adversities. I will truly miss her. My deepest sympathy to her daughter, Joanne, and her husband, Kyle, her 8 grandchildren, and her siblings.

Catherine was quiet and contemplative in our small group from church. Slow to share her thoughts, but when she did, it was always worth listening to. She so looked forward to small group Sundays and we loved having her in group, she was a bright blessing to our group and will be greatly missed! Our sympathy and prayers go out to her family.

She was always kind to everyone on the bus. I never had any problem helping her get on the bus if she needed help. I felt that carring her air tanks up and down the stairs was my job. And that morning when she called asking if she missed the bus and i said i was almost there and after nearly 10 minutes sitting outside i knew something was wrong. Only wish i could have down more. Will miss seeing her smile as she talked about her trips to see her daughter and the grandkids.

I worked with Catherine for nearly 2 years, and she was a joy to work with. Catherine always cared more about others than herself. I always had to remind her to look after herself too! She was incredibly kind, hard working, and loved her family deeply. Catherine was a perfect example of someone that overcame many adversities to have a happy and successful life. I will miss working with her and seeing her smile. My thoughts go out to her family and friends.

My deepest Sympathy to Catherine’s daughter Joanne and her husband Kyle, to all the grandchildren and to her siblings.

So very sorry for your loss, may the memories you hold in your hearts bring healing and peace to you soul.
May God bless you all

My condolences to the family. May God be with you during this difficult time. You all are in my prayers.

Catherine met with me on a weekly to biweekly basis for many years. Her story included a lifetime of challenges, yet despite this, she developed a quiet strength, a kind heart that desired mercy, and a determined love for her family (of origin, her own children and grandkids) as well as those she encountered at her Church / Small group and her annual spinning retreat.

Given her narrative, we frequently used a metaphor that Catherine was, indeed, a “chick gatherer”. This metaphor was based on themes found in the following Bible passages:

He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his truth is a shield and protection.
Psalm 91: 4

” How often I wanted to gather your children, just as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings…”
Matt 23: 37b

Unfortunately, I did not learn of her passing, nor her Memorial service, until sometime later. So she has been “on my heart” these last several days as I have reflected on our journey together. Hence, I was trilled as my own faith study-fellowship group sung the following today:

Safety lies in the shadow of Your wings
I rely on your faithful covering
Arrows fly, but I will not be afraid
When I dwell in the shadow of Your wings.

In the shadow, in the shadow, in the shadow of Your wings.
In the shadow, in the shadow, in the shadow of Your wings

We only spoke twice on the phone and once face to face since the beginning of 2015. However, when we last met, our intent was to continue working through some recent events, and to look forward to the closing chapter of her life, where she would herself be gathered in.

Obviously, that narrative has come to a premature ending… but we did get in an appropriate benediction.

At the close of our visits in recent years, I pronounced the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) over Catherine. She generally reminded me if it looked like I might forget. However, I almost forgot the last time we met, although I did remember as she was waiting in the lobby for her ride. I think she particularly enjoyed the hands raised, both hands formed in the Star Trek Vulcan salute, but in this case both hands with the thumbs and forefingers touching, raised high above bowed heads. A delightful piece of imagery!

I would like to invite you to join both Catherine and myself, as I believe she would agree to pass this blessing on to those that she loved – the chicks she gathered:

‘Y’varekh’kha ADONAI v’yishmerekha.
Ya’er ADONAI panav eleikha vichunekka.
Yissa ADONAI panav eleikha v’yasem l’kha shalom.

[May ADONAI bless you and keep you.]
[May ADONAI make his face shine on you and show you his favor.]
[May ADONAI lift up his face toward you and give you peace]
Numbers 6: 24-26

Shalom, Catherine-